Tailored synthesis of SnO2@graphene nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic response

Abstract Hierarchical SnO 2 @graphene nanocomposites were synthesized by impregnating different weight percentages of Sn 2+ with graphene oxide nanosheets using a simple hydrothermal method. The precursor ratio of Sn 2+ to graphene oxide plays a decisive role in tailoring the phase structure and composition, which thereby influences the photocatalytic performance to degrade the organic contaminants. The SnO 2 @graphene nanocomposites exhibited greatly enhanced abilities for photocatalytic degradation of MO dye compare with the pure SnO 2 . It is believed that the tight heterojunction structure and efficient charge separation play important roles in facilitating interfacial electron transfer and reducing self-radiative recombination of charges, which accordingly enhance the photocatalytic performance.