Synthesis of Hierarchical SnO₂ Microflowers Assembled by Nanosheets and Their Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties

Abstract

Hierarchical SnO 2 microflowers assembled by aggregative sheets have been successfully synthesized via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The crystal structure and optical properties of the product were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SEAD), Raman spectroscopy, UVvis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. By utilizing the SnO 2 microflowers as a photocatalyst, improved photocatalytic degradation was observed towards rhodamine B (RhB) dye under UV light illumination. The improved photocatalytic activity may be attributed to their unique morphology and surface defects.

Highlights on advances in SnO2 quantum dots: insights into synthesis strategies, modifications and applications

“…The SnO 2 QDs showed high photocatalytic activities, photodegrading 100% after exposure to UV light for 80 min. The photocatalytic activity of the SnO 2 QDs was superior to that of SnO 2 nanorods [31], SnO 2 nanoflowers [141,142], SnO 2 nanospheres [45] and SnO 2 films [28]. This enhanced photocatalytic activity of SnO 2 QDs may be ascribed to:…”