In-situ Photo-deposition of Nd-modified Hexahydroxy Strontium Stannate Nanorods with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

Abstract

Background:: Metal surface modification of the photocatalysts is effective for enhancing the photocatalytic properties of the semiconductor photocatalysts. Nd can be used as the modified metal for the enhancement of catalytic performance of the strontium tin hydroxide (SrSn(OH)6) nanorods due to expanding the light absorption range and reducing the recombination of the photo-generated electrons and holes. Objective:: The aim of the research is to synthesize Nd-modified SrSn(OH)6 nanorods and investigate the enhanced photocatalytic performance for crystal violet degradation. Methods:: Nd modified SrSn(OH)6 nanorods were prepared via a facile one-step in-situ photodeposition route. The obtained nanorods were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, solid diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results:: Nd attached to the surface of nanorods. The band gap of the Nd-modified SrSn(OH)6 nanorods was reduced due to Nd modification at the surface of nanorods. The Nd-modified SrSn(OH)6 nanorods showed enhanced photocatalytic properties for crystal violet (CV) degradation under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation than the SrSn(OH)6 nanorods. Nd modified SrSn(OH)6 nanorods have lower charge transfer resistance and more efficient charge separation ability, thus hindering the recombination of the electrons and holes (e−/h+) pairs. Scavenger experiments reported that the holes, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals are the main reactive species during the photocatalytic reaction. The Ndmodified SrSn(OH)6 nanorods were found to be recoverable and reusable for CV degradation. Conclusion:: The Nd modified SrSn(OH)6 nanorods showed enhanced photocatalytic performance towards crystal violet than un-modified nanorods.