ZnO–SnO₂ Hollow Spheres and Hierarchical Nanosheets: Hydrothermal Preparation, Formation Mechanism, and Photocatalytic Properties

Abstract

ZnO–SnO2 hollow spheres and hierarchical nanosheets are successfully synthesized using an aqueous solution containing ZnO rods, SnCl4, and NaOH by using a simple hydrothermal method. The effects of hydrothermal temperature and time on the morphology of ZnO–SnO2 are investigated. The formation process of ZnO–SnO2 hollow spheres and nanosheets is discussed. The samples are characterized using X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy. Both hollow spheres and hierarchical nanosheets show higher photocatalytic activities in the degradation of methyl orange than that of ZnO rods or SnO2.

One-dimensional ZnO nanostructures: Solution growth and functional properties

“…In addition, with a larger band gap energy, the photogenerated electron and hole pairs will be less likely to recombine, which in turn enhances the charge transfer efficiency between the catalyst and the pollutants [310]. There are also other approaches to hinder the recombination of the photogenerated electron and hole pairs, such as using CdS nanoparticle-ZnO nanowire heterostructure arrays [321], and SnO 2 and ZnO composites to improve the charge separation efficiency [322]. Figure 36(a) shows the absorption spectra of methyl orange solution with catalytic amounts of ZnO and different UV illumination times.…”

Review of one-dimensional and two-dimensional nanostructured materials for hydrogen generation

“…2D nanostructures such as nanobelts (NBs), [199][200][201] NSs, [202][203][204] nanoplates, [205][206][207] nanolayers, 208,209 nanoribbons, 115,210 and nanoleaves 211 are also efficient for the production of H 2 . The transfer of charge carriers to the surface takes place in a similar manner to 1D structures and helps to enhance performance.…”

Porous SnO2 nanoflakes with loose-packed structure: Morphology conserved transformation from SnS2 precursor and application in lithium ion batteries and gas sensors

“…These characteristics make it possible to introduce new active reactions, decrease the path length for Li-ion transport, reduce the specific surface current rate, and improve stability and specific capacity [4][5][6]. In particular, tin dioxide (SnO 2 ) nanostructures have attracted tremendous interests in the scientific and industrial fields owing to their unique optical and electrochemical properties [7][8][9][10].…”