An efficient multifunctional SnS₂/g-C₃N₄ hierarchical nanoflower catalyst for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic applications

The rising energy demand via renewable sources and existence of organic pollutants in water has attracted the world-wide attention to attain sustainable ecosystems. The development of a multi-functional catalyst with significant economic and environmental implications remains a challenge. Herein, we synthesized SnS₂/g-C₃N₄ hierarchical nanoflower using solvothermal method, verified by XRD and FTIR investigations. The surface morphology was analyzed using FESEM, TEM and HRTEM while optical absorption via UV–Vis spectroscopy. SnS₂/g-C₃N₄ displayed outstanding electrocatalytic activity for HER and OER with smaller tafel slope and higher values of current density. The results are in accordance with C_dl and ECSA values, ensuing more active sites and surface area for a catalytic reaction to take place. As-prepared SnS₂/g-C₃N₄ also exhibited 90 % photocatalytic MB deterioration in 90 min upon solar irradiation, following first order kinetics. Type-II mechanism for charge transfer alongwith reactive specie trapping experiment and cyclic stability is also presented. The findings suggests that SnS₂/g-C₃N₄ emerged as proficient catalyst for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic applications.