A series of SnS2/Au nanocomposites were synthesized by photocatalytic deposition of Au nanoparticles on the surface of SnS2 nanoplates at room temperature. The photocatalytic properties of the as-synthesized SnS2/Au nanocomposites were tested via both the reduction of Cr(VI) and degradation of MO in water under the irradia-tion of visible light (lambda > 420 nm). SnS2/Au-1.0% was found to be the most photocatalytically active nanocompos-ite. The photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction rate over SnS2/Au-1.0% was 2.1 times as that over SnS2 under visible light irradiation. Moreover, SnS2/Au-1.0% was also efficient and stable in the visible light-driven photocatalytic degra-dation of methyl orange (MO). Based on the test results of photoabsorption, transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance, the best photocatalytic performance of SnS2/Au-1.0% was likely attributed to its most efficient separation and transfer of photo-generated electrons and holes. Besides, the mechanisms of photocata-lytic Cr(VI) reduction and MO degradation by SnS2/Au-1.0% were also explored. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.