SnS2/TiO2 nanocomposites with enhanced visible light-driven photoreduction of aqueous Cr(VI)

SnS2/TiO2 nanocomposites have been synthesized via microwave assisted hydrothermal treatment of tetrabutyl titanate in the presence of SnS2 nanoplates in the solvent of ethanol at 160 degrees C for 1 h. The physical and chemical properties of SnS2/TiO2 were studied by XRD, FESEM, EDS, TEM, XPS and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of SnS2/TiO2 nanocomposites were evaluated by photoreduction of aqueous Cr(VI) under visible light (lambda > 420 nm) irradiation. The experimental results showed that the SnS2/TiO2 nanocomposites exhibited excellent reduction efficiency of Cr(VI) (similar to 87%) than that of pure TiO2 and SnS2. The SnS2/TiO2 nanocomposites were expected to be a promising candidate as effective photocatalysts in the treatment of Cr(VI) wastewater. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.