Improved photocatalytic activity of SnO2-TiO2 nanocomposite thin films prepared by low-temperature sol-gel method

The objective of this research was to investigate how the photocatalytic activity pure TiO2 can be improved by SnO2 modification. Different molar ratios tin titanium were prepared. correlation between concentration and structural properties investigated explain mechanism efficiency optimize synthesis conditions obtain enhanced SnO2-modified photocatalysts under UV-irradiation. prepared a low-temperature sol-gel method based on organic precursors. precursors underwent reactions separately form SnO2-TiO2 sol. sol-gels deposited glass substrate dip-coating technique dried at 150 °C in thin film. To test thermal stability material, an additional set calcining samples air 500 °C. determined measuring degradation rate azo dye. An increase up 30% air-dried obtained when modified with range 0.1–1 mol.%. At higher loadings, photocatalyst reduced compared unmodified TiO2. calcined showed overall samples. Various characterization techniques (UV-Vis, XRD, N2-physisorption, TEM, EDX, SEM, XAS photoelectrochemical characterization) used for hindered performances photocatalysts. results that nanocrystalline cassiterite is attached nanocrystallites through Sn-O-Ti bonds. In way, coupling two semiconductors, TiO2, demonstrated. Compared single-phase photocatalysts, semiconductors has beneficial effect separation charge carriers, which prolongs their lifetime accessibility participate redox reactions. maximum films achieved low (0.1–1 mol.%), means optimal ratio contact phases given physical parameters such as particle size, shape specific surface area catalyst.