Coral-inspired nanoscale design of porous SnS2 for photocatalytic reduction and removal of aqueous Cr (VI)

Abstract

Frequent industrial discharge of various contaminants such as heavy metals into water resources has caused severe environmental damage. In this study, a unique porous corallite-like nanocomposite (SPNH-MOSF@SnS2) was successfully fabricated via surface modification of visible-light-driven photocatalyst (SnS2) and chelating ligand (spirobenzopyran derivative, SPNH) on macroporous ordered siliceous foam (MOSF). In our approach, SnS2 was selected as the photocatalyst due to its high visible light induced photocatalytic activity. SPNH was modified because it could selectively chelate soluble Cr (III) when exposed to ultraviolet light. This unique nanocomposite could be used for highly efficient reduction and removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] from wastewater, especially under the mildly acidic condition. The results indicate encouraging applications of this as-prepared new nanocomposite for treating Cr (VI) containing wastewater.