SnS2 with different exposed crystal planes for NO2 gas sensing

Tin disulfide (SnS2), is an emerging two-dimensional metal sulfide material with high electronegativity and suitable bandgap, making it a promising candidate for NO2 sensors. In this study, SnS2 thin sections with different exposed crystal planes were prepared from two different sulfur sources, and the effects of crystal sections on the growth of SnS2 and its NO2 sensing performance were studied. SnS2 micro sheets with (1 0 1) exposed crystal plane (SnS2-M) showed a smaller specific surface area than SnS2 nano sheets with (1 0 0) exposed crystal plane (SnS2-N). However, the crystal structure grown along the (1 0 1) plane direction provides a more favorable pathway for NO2 molecules, enhancing gas molecule adsorption and desorption, and exhibiting excellent performance in terms of sensitivity, repeatability, and response time. The gas sensing performance is not only influenced by the specific surface area but also significantly differs due to the exposure of different crystal planes. This result provides a certain reference value for the preparation of SnS2 with different crystal plane orientations for enhanced NO2 sensing.