New synthetic methodology to enhance Mg doping in SnS2: structural characterization and photocatalytic activity

A new modified synthetic methodology was developed to effectively introduce more amount of Mg in the structure of SnS2. The amount of Mg that is doped in the structure of SnS2 was obtained from the changes in the structural parameter (lattice parameter and occupancy, as observed through Rietveld refinement) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry studies, giving conclusive evidence of doping of Mg in SnS2. We observed that, with the methodology adopted, the doping could be increased up to 11.4%. The effect of doping on optical and photocatalytic properties was demonstrated.