Synthesis of hierarchical SnO2 microflowers assembled by nanosheets and their enhanced photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Hierarchical SnO2 microflowers assembled by aggregative sheets have been successfully synthesized via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The crystal structure and optical properties of the product were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SEAD), Raman spectroscopy, UVvis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. By utilizing the SnO2 microflowers as a photocatalyst, improved photocatalytic degradation was observed towards rhodamine B (RhB) dye under UV light illumination. The improved photocatalytic activity may be attributed to their unique morphology and surface defects.