The enhanced photoelectrochemical response of SnSe2 nanosheets

Abstract

Single-crystal SnSe₂ nanosheets with a ten atomic-layer thickness have been prepared by a facile solvothermal route reaction in benzyl alcohol in the presence of PVP. Benzyl alcohol acts as the solvent and reducing reagent to promote the formation of the hexagonal phase of SnSe₂, and the presence of PVP provides a stable environment for the construction of the SnSe₂ nanosheets. A reasonable formation mechanism was put forward on the basis of the time-dependent experiments. The obtained SnSe₂ nanosheets displayed an enhanced photocurrent compared to the thick SnSe₂ nanoplates, which indicated potential applications in photodetectors, photovoltaic devices and so forth.