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Efficient photocatalytic removal of RhB using magnetic Fe3O4–SnO2 nanocomposites containing Sn2+ interstitial impurities

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Abstract

Fe3O4–SnO2 nanocomposites with SnO2 in the reduced form (without post-annealing) were prepared. X-ray diffraction, high resolution TEM microscopy, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence spectroscopy and magnetization measurements were used for sample characterizations. Additionally, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms and surface area measurements (BET) were made for porosity and surface area determination. Depending on the amount of SnCl2 used in preparation, tetragonal tin oxide hydroxide Sn6O4(OH)4 or SnO secondary phases were also formed in various samples. XPS analysis shows the presence of surface Sn2+ states and as well as lack, or non-detectable, interstitial tin inside SnO2 nanocrystallites. The presence of Sn2+ surface states determines important changes of both magnetic and photocatalytic properties of samples. Thus Sn2+ surface states determine, on the one hand, an increased efficiency of photocatalytic processes and, on the other hand, a significant decrease of the saturation magnetization of Fe3O4 cores. Moreover, by using ESR spin trapping technique, the generation of reactive oxygen species (·OH, O2·−) resulted by light irradiation of samples was evidenced.

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Funding

The authors would like to express appreciation for the financial support to the Romanian Ministry of Research and Innovation, Core Program Project PN18 03 02 03. The authors also wish to thank Dr. Lucian Barbu-Tudoran (ILEM-CETATEA) for electron microscopy analysis and helpful discussions.

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  1. National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67 – 103 Donat St., 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

    Maria Stefan, Adriana Popa, Ovidiu Pana, Cristian Leostean, Dana Toloman, Diana Lazar, Florina Pogacean, Sergiu Macavei & Simona Gutoiu

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  1. Maria Stefan
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  2. Adriana Popa
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Correspondence to Adriana Popa.

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Stefan, M., Popa, A., Pana, O. et al. Efficient photocatalytic removal of RhB using magnetic Fe3O4–SnO2 nanocomposites containing Sn2+ interstitial impurities. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 29, 14132–14143 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-018-9546-6

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