Synthesis and survey of the photocatalytic activity of SnO2/TiO2 nanotubes material under visible light

Abstract

In this paper, SnO₂ nano particles were loaded on TiO₂ nanotubes (SnO₂/TNTs) by one-step hydrothermal method with the purpose to enhance the photocatalytic ability of TiO₂ nanotubes (TNTs). Structure and morphology of the material were characterized by X-ray diffraction measurement (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SnO₂ nano particles onto TNTs prevent the recombination of electron-hole pairs at the interface area. This contribution increased the photocatalytic efficiency of the material. The effect of SnO₂ contents on the photocatalytic activities of the composite materials was also investigated with methylene blue that is chosen as the pollutant in industry. The results showed that SnO₂/TNTs composite materials had been successfully synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method and SnO₂/TNTs composite material with 2 % SnO₂ content loading possesses the highest photocatalytic efficiency with 70 % after 180 minutes illuminated under sunlight.