Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity and mechanism of ZnSn(OH)6 nanocubes modified with AgI nanoparticles

• AgI/ZSH was synthesized by a facile deposition–precipitation method at room temperature for the first time.
• The composite exhibited much superior photocatalytic activity.
• AgI loading, catalysts dosage and initial dye concentration were investigated in detail.
• High mineralization ability and photostability were achieved.

Novel visible-light-driven photocatalyst AgI/ZnSn(OH)6 (AgI/ZSH) was synthesized by a facile deposition–precipitation method. The effect of several parameters such as the AgI loading, catalysts dosage and initial dye concentration on the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) was investigated. The degradation efficiency of RhB could be almost 100% within 40 min and the removal rate of TOC reached 91% within 60 min at 20% AgI/ZSH dosage 1 g/L, which was 34 and 4.6 times of ZSH and AgI, respectively. The enhanced photoactivity of AgI/ZSH should be contributed to the faster separation of electron–hole pairs with ZSH as an electron trap.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide