Application of Zn2SnO4 photocatalyst prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal route in the degradation of organic pollutant under sunlight

Zn2SnO4 crystals were successfully synthesized under microwave-assisted irradiation. The structural properties of the powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N-2 adsorption/desorption isotherms (BET). Through a microwave-assisted hydrothermal route, porous Zn2SnO4 particles with a high specific surface area were obtained in a short synthesis time. In addition, Zn2SnO4 particles were tested as a photocatalyst for the degradation of textile dye under sunlight. The results showed that the maximum photocatalytic activity of Zn2SnO4 particles was about 50% degradation of the Reactive Red 141 dye in 270 min under sunlight irradiation, and that photocatalytic process followed zero-order kinetics. After sunlight exposure, 37% of total organic carbon (TOC) was removed. The photocatalytic results indicated that the Zn2SnO4 particles can be promising in the degradation of dye from aqueous solution under sunlight. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.