The influence of surfactants on the crystalline structure, electrical and photocatalytic properties of hybrid multi-structured (SnO2, TiO2 and WO3) thin films

► Inorganic particles are partially stabilized by surface-adsorbed SDS surfactant. ► Indicates how different structures prevent the recombination of the carrier charge. ► Steric hindrance imposed by the HTAB branch chain surfactant. ► Highest surface energy corresponds to the samples where HTAB surfactant was used. ► Photocatalytic activity with efficiency values that varies from 40% to 80%.