Atmospheric air plasma treated SnS films: An efficient electrocatalyst for HER

Here, we demonstrate the enhanced water-splitting performance (I = 10 mA/cm², Tafel slope = 60 mV/dec, onset potential = −80 mV) of atmospheric air plasma treated (AAPT) SnS thin films by the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The as prepared SnS films were subjected to Atmospheric Air Plasma Treatment (AAPT) which leads to formation of additional phases of Sn and SnO₂ at plasma powers of 150 W and 250 W, respectively. The AAPT treatment at 150 W leads to the evaporation of the S atoms as SO₂ generates a number of S-vacancies and Sn active edge sites over the surface of the SnS thin film. S-vacancies also create Sn active edge sites, surface p-type pinning that tunes the suitable band positions, and a hydrophilic surface which is beneficial for hydrogen adsorption/desorption. At high plasma power (250 W), the surface of the SnS films becomes oxidized and degrades the HER performance. These results demonstrate that AAPT (150 W) is capable of improving the HER performance of SnS thin films and our results indicate that SnS thin films can work as efficient electrocatalysts for HER.