Synthesis and characterization of SnS/ZnO nanocomposite by chemical method

SnS nanorods and SnS/ZnO nanocomposite have been synthesized by chemical method. Structure and phase purity of the samples were confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. Transmission electron microscope image of SnS nanorods showed the average diameter of nanorods was about 85 nm and length was several micrometers. Transmission electron microscope image of SnS/ZnO nanocomposite showed the average particle size of ZnO nanoparticle was about 12 nm. The formation of SnS/ZnO nanocomposite was confirmed by elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. From the microRaman spectrum of SnS/ZnO nanocomposite, it was observed that the intensity of B_2g mode of SnS nanorods decreased dramatically compared to that of pure SnS nanorods, since the surface of the SnS nanorods were coated with ZnO nanoparticles. Both direct and indirect band gap transitions were observed for SnS nanorods from the optical absorption spectrum and the optical absorption spectrum of SnS/ZnO nanocomposite showed absorption in the visible region.