Synthesis, Characterization, and Activity of Tin Oxide Nanoparticles: Influence of Solvothermal Time on Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B

Abstract

The SnO2 spheres-like\rnanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a microwave\rsolvothermal method, in which SnCl2·2H2O,\rpoly(vinylpyrrolidone) PVP, H2O2 and NaOH as raw\rmaterials. The as-synthesized products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and\rUV/Vis/NIR spectrophotometer. Photocatalytic activities of the samples have\rbeen evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under UV-light illumination.\rResults showed that these products with diameter about 1 - 2 μm, and when the reaction time prolong, the surface of the SnO2 spheres will change to rough and then smooth when the time even longer. The\rproduct with nanorods on its surface shows the higher photocatalytic activity\rand red shift in the UV-vis absorption, which are relative to the unique\rstructure. At last we studied the electron transfer reactions during\rphoto-oxidation of RhB.