Synthesis of hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 photocatalysts with different morphologies and their application for photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI)

• Hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 photocatalysts were synthesized by inducing of Galla Chinensis pollen.
• Different hierarchical morphologies were obtained by adjusting NaOH concentrations.
• Hierarchical nanobelts exhibit high photocatalytic activity for reduction of Cr(VI).

Hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized through inducing of Galla Chinensis pollen. Hierarchical morphologies (nanoparticles, nanosheets and nanobelts) were obtained by adjusting NaOH aqueous concentrations. The hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results indicate that hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 nanobelts exhibit high photo-catalytic properties for reduction of Cr(VI). It is anticipated that our work could provide an efficient synthetic approach to design a large variety of hierarchical photocatalysts for diverse photocatalytic applications.

Hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by inducing of Galla Chinensis pollen, which maintain the ellipsoidal shape. Different hierarchical morphologies (nanoparticles, nanosheets and nanobelts) were obtained by increasing NaOH aqueous concentrations. The obtained hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 nanobelts exhibit excellent catalytic activity for reduction of Cr(VI), which contributes to the better charge separation, fast and long-distance electron transport, large surface-to-volume ration of TiO2/SnO2 nanobelts.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide