Tailored synthesis of SnSe/SnO2@rGO composites with synergistic properties for photodegradation

Abstract

SnSe/SnO2@rGO composite photocatalyst was prepared using a simple in-situ selenization method. The structure, morphology, and properties of the material were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. Moreover, the photocatalytic efficiency of the catalyst was evaluated on the aqueous solution of methylene blue under simulated natural light irradiation (wavelength >300 nm). After 120 min of degradation, the photocatalytic activity of SnSe/SnO2@rGO exceeded 90%. These results indicate that the heterojunction structure of SnSe/SnO2@rGO effectively promoted interfacial electron transfer and reduced the self-radiative recombination of charges, thereby improving the performance of the photocatalyst. Hence, the synthesized SnSe/SnO2@rGO possesses potential applications in the photocatalytic degradation of wastewater.