Synthesis of SnO2@SnS2 core–shell nanorods by double crucible method and their photocatalysis

Abstract

SnO2@SnS2 core–shell structural nanorods were prepared by the solid phase double crucible method. The structure, morphology and optical properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope and ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared spectrophotometer. The results indicated that the mixture of hexagonal phases SnS2 and tetragonal phase SnO2 was formed at 400 and 500 °C and the molar ratio of SnO2 to thioacetamide was 1:3. SnS2 was uniformly coated on the surface of SnO2 nanorods, and SnO2@SnS2 core–shell nanorods with the shell thickness of about 3–5 nm were obtained. Furthermore, their photocatalytic properties were tested for the degrading of methyl orange in water under visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. Compared with pure SnS2 nanomaterials, the core–shell nanorods demonstrated more superior photocatalytic activity. These meaningful results had laid certain foundation for further research on metal oxide@metal sulfide core–shell structure nanomaterials.