Fabrication of carbon quantum dots modified granular SnO2 nanotubes for visible light photocatalysis

•The C QDs modified SnO2 nanotubes composites were prepared via electrospinning.•The composites show excellent photocatalysis under visible light irradiation.•The mechanism of the enhancement of photocatalytic activity has been studied.

The C QDs modified granular SnO2 nanotubes are prepared via a simple technical route through which SnO2 nanotubes are dispersed in C QDs solution, then dried at 80 °C. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy indicated that SnO2 nanotubes are well combined with C QDs through surface carbon–oxygen groups. By degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation, it demonstrates that the photocatalytic performance of these composites significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the unique up-converted photoluminescence behaviour of the carbon dots and the remarkable granular, tube-shape structure of the SnO2 are considered as the main reasons of this enhancement.

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