ZnO:SnO nanorods and nanosheets and their enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

Abstract

ZnO-SnO nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. It was found that Sn concentration acted as a crucial factor in determining the morphology of ZnO-SnO nanostructures, in the presence of ethylenediamine (EDA) as a stabilizing agent. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of ZnO and SnO with good crystallinity. The morphological analysis revealed tin oxide (SnO) nanoparticles coated on the surface of ZnO nanorods and nanosheets. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized samples were evaluated by methylene blue (MB) as a model pollutant under visible light irradiation. Photocatalysis studies revealed that, ZnO-SnO nanocomposites show the enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to ZnO, which could be attributed to the formation of hetero-junction between ZnO and SnO of MB degradation. Sn concentration can extend the light absorption spectra of ZnO to visible light region and enhance the visible light photocatalytic activity. This research could provide new insights to the development of excellent photocatalyst with efficient performance for pollution control.