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.