Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanospheres/SnO2 Quantum Dots Composite for Degradation of 4-Nitrophenol

Abstract

A composite of SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) decorated on TiO2 nanospheres was prepared and then used as photocatalyst in photodegradation of 4-nitrophenol. The structure of TiO2/SnO2 QD composites revealed that the SnO2 quantum dots are uniformly dispersed on the surface of TiO2 nanospheres. The effect of various parameters such as pH, concentration of dye, amount of semiconductor and light intensity was observed. The photocatalytic behavior of as-prepared samples shows better activity than pure TiO2 nanospheres. This study presents a choice for potential applications of quantum dots in water pollution treatment.