Template-free electrodeposition of SnS nanotubes and their photoelectrochemical properties.

• SnS nanotubes were firstly deposited by electrodeposition method. • The morphologies of SnS nanotubes were modulated by deposition potentials. • Photo-electronic properties of SnS nanotubes were investigated. In this paper, SnS nanotubes are firstly prepared in acidic solution by template free electrodeposition method at room temperature. The morphological evolution and photoelectrochemical properties of SnS nanotubes are investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and Raman spectra measurements examine the phase purities of deposited SnS thin films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations indicate morphological properties of SnS nanotubes. The band-gap of SnS nanotubes is confirmed by UV–Vis-NIR diffuse reflection spectra. The photoelectrochemical measurements show that the photocurrent density of FTO/SnS nanotubes is about 31 μA/cm2 and maximum IPCE value of SnS nanotubes is 7.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]