Surface Fe3+-decorated pristine SnO2 nanoparticles with enhanced ·OH radical generation performance

This study reports an enhanced activity photocatalyst of Fe3+ ion-decorated SnO2 nanoparticles synthesized by a facile route. The chemical state of Fe3+-decorated SnO2 nanoparticles has been characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). The Fe3+ is reduced to Fe2+ by the photoelectrons from SnO2 via an interfacial charger transfer process. The Fe2+ are transformed to Fe3+ ion through a four electron reduction, which realizing the recycle of Fe3+ ions, and preventing recombining of photoelectrons with photoholes, resulting in its enhanced ·OH radical generation performance. The Fe3+-decorated SnO2 presents futuramic photocatalysis application in decomposing recalcitrant organic matter.

► Fe 3+ is successfully decorated onto the surface of pristine SnO2 nanoparticles.
► The Fe3+-decorated SnO2 exhibits enhanced ·OH radical generation performance.
► A model demonstrates the photocatalysis mechanism of Fe3+-decorated SnO2.