Three-dimensional porous networks of ultra-long electrospun SnO2 nanotubes with high photocatalytic performance

Abstract

Recent progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology creates new opportunities in the design of novel SnO2 nanomaterials for photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical. Herein, we firstly highlight a facile method to prepare threedimensional porous networks of ultra-long SnO2 nanotubes through the single capillary electrospinning technique. Compared with the traditional SnO2 nanofibers, the as-obtained three-dimensional porous networks show enhancement of photocurrent and photocatalytic activity, which could be ascribed to its improved light-harvesting efficiency and high separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Besides, the synthesis route delivered three-dimensional sheets on the basis of interwoven nanofibrous networks, which can be readily recycled for the desirable circular application of a potent photocatalyst system.