Tailored synthesis of SnO2@graphene nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic response

Hierarchical SnO2@graphene nanocomposites were synthesized by impregnating different weight percentages of Sn2+ with graphene oxide nanosheets using a simple hydrothermal method. The precursor ratio of Sn2+ to graphene oxide plays a decisive role in tailoring the phase structure and composition, which thereby influences the photocatalytic performance to degrade the organic contaminants. The SnO2@graphene nanocomposites exhibited greatly enhanced abilities for photocatalytic degradation of MO dye compare with the pure SnO2. It is believed that the tight heterojunction structure and efficient charge separation play important roles in facilitating interfacial electron transfer and reducing self-radiative recombination of charges, which accordingly enhance the photocatalytic performance. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.