SnS2: A piezocatalytic material for efficient degradation of ciprofloxacin

Tin disulfide (SnS₂), as a two-dimensional transition metal sulfide with similar electronic or structural properties, has been calculated to have the possibility of piezoelectricity. SnS₂ was prepared by different methods, the structure of materials were characterized by XRD and FT-IR. Then the morphology and surface elements of materials were characterized by SEM and XPS. Through the detection of PFM and electrochemical transient currents, the results show that the SnS₂ samples prepared by coprecipitation method have piezoelectric characteristics and current can be generated by applying mechanical stirring force. Comparing the materials that prepared by coprecipitation method, hydrothermal method and commercially purchased SnS₂, it was found that the degradation rate of ciprofloxacin by the material prepared by the coprecipitation method could reach 93 % after 1 h. Through characterization, it is speculated that the piezocatalytic activity of the coprecipitation material is due to sodium ion doping. It is found that the preparation method and the introduction of heteroatoms have a great influence on the piezocatalytic activity. It provides a way for subsequent researchers to improve the performance of materials from material design.