Biomolecule-assisted fabrication of copper doped SnS₂nanosheet–reduced graphene oxide junctions with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Novel copper (3 at%) doped SnS2 nanosheet–reduced graphene oxide (RGO) junctions were fabricated by a facile cysteine-assisted hydrothermal method. Superior visible-light-driven activity for methyl orange decomposition has been achieved. The average apparent rate of Cu-doped SnS2 nanosheet–RGO composites is more than 7 times higher than that of SnS2, and even 2 times higher than CdS nanoparticles, the benchmark material. Further characterization indicates that facilitating charge separation, fast electron transport and a large surface area together play key roles in the materials enhanced photoactivity. Due to their chemical stability, low cost and lower toxicity, Cu-doped SnS2–RGO composites show great potential as high-efficiency visible-light-driven photocatalysts for environmental remediation and energy conversion.