Deposition of SnO2 on the Anatase TiO2 {105} Facets with High Photocatalytic Performance

Abstract

Anatase TiO2 as a promising photocatalyst has been widely employed in the decontamination treatment of polluted water, air purification and water splitting. Coupling TiO2 with other semiconductor materials could further enhance the photocatalytic activity. Here, we successfully synthesized the SnO2/TiO2 catalyst by depositing SnO2 particles on the anatase TiO2 {105} facets through a gas phase oxidation process. The SnO2/TiO2 catalyst shows higher photocatalytic activity for decomposition of MB than that of the pure TiO2 catalyst. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the efficient charge separation since TiO2 and SnO2 catalyst have staggered energy level.