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The use of ZnO as a photocatalyst for organics degradation has been reported on in the literature, but a divergence of results suggests that surface groups play a critical role...

A versatile Nb2O5/SnO2 heterostructure, adequate for different processes, was successfully synthesized by adding SnO2 to the hydrothermal Nb2O5 synthesis process. The presence of SnO2 dispersed over Nb2O5 did not modify its crystalline structure. On the other hand, the properties of the material were strongly affected by coupling the semiconductors. The heterostructure exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to pure Nb2O5 in the degradation of rhodamine B dye and the amiloride medication under UV radiation, as well as during CO2 photoreduction. Moreover, the heterostructured material was more efficient at removing the cationic species methylene blue dye and Mn (II) from the aqueous solution through adsorption than pure Nb2O5. Its versatility has been explained by reference to the negative surface charge induced by SnO2 and the charge separation in the heterostructure, which increases their lifetimes, making it possible to reach the surface of the material and promote the reaction in the oxidative and reductive processes. Our results indicate that coupled Nb2O5/SnO2 can be a unique platform to different forms of environmental treatment.