Atmospheric Air Plasma Treated SnS Films: An Efficient Electrocatalyst for HER

Abstract

Here, we demonstrate the enhanced water-splitting performance (I = 10 mA/cm2, Tafel slope = 60 mV/dec, onset potential = −80 mV) of atmospheric air plasma treated (AAPT) SnS thin films by the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The as prepared SnS films were subjected to Atmospheric Air Plasma Treatment (AAPT) which leads to formation of additional phases of Sn and SnO2 at plasma powers of 150 W and 250 W, respectively. The AAPT treatment at 150 W leads to the evaporation of the S atoms as SO2 generates a number of S-vacancies and Sn active edge sites over the surface of the SnS thin film. S-vacancies also create Sn active edge sites, surface p-type pinning that tunes the suitable band positions, and a hydrophilic surface which is beneficial for hydrogen adsorption/desorption. At high plasma power (250 W), the surface of the SnS films becomes oxidized and degrades the HER performance. These results demonstrate that AAPT (150 W) is capable of improving the HER performance of SnS thin films and our results indicate that SnS thin films can work as efficient electrocatalysts for HER.

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“…To improve its catalysis activity, creating more active sites on the surface can facilitate charge transfer. Many strategies have been adopted, such as surface functional modification, [ 128a ] and hybridizing with various materials. [ 128c ] Huang et al.…”

“…Many strategies have been adopted, such as surface functional modification, [ 128a ] and hybridizing with various materials. [ 128c ] Huang et al. [ 128a ] applied an atmospheric air plasma treatment (AAPT) method to enhance the HER performance of SnS thin films by creating more active sites on the surface of SnS.…”

“…With outstanding catalytic activity and electrical conductivity, SnS has been widely utilized as photocatalysts, [ 127 ] electrocatalysts, [ 128 ] and electrodes for Li‐batteries. [ 129 ] However, the pristine SnS shows weak catalytic activity due to its low effective carrier density.…”

“…[ 128c ] Huang et al. [ 128a ] applied an atmospheric air plasma treatment (AAPT) method to enhance the HER performance of SnS thin films by creating more active sites on the surface of SnS. The evaporation of S atoms in SnS generates numerous surface S‐vacancies under plasma treatment.…”

“…Lee et al. [ 128c ] has grown SnS nanoparticles on N‐reduced graphene (N‐rGr) sheets to form a strong SnS/N‐rGr chemical/electronic coupling. According to the turnover frequency (TOF) examination, the small size SnS on graphene yields abundant exposed edges and all the surface sulfur sites participated in the HER catalysis, rendering a high content of active sites.…”