Boosting Visible-Light Photocatalytic Redox Reaction by Charge Separation in SnO2/ZnSe(N2H4)0.5Heterojunction Nanocatalysts

In this work, environmentally friendly photocatalysts with attractive catalytic properties are reported that have been prepared by introducing SnO(2)quantum dots (QDs) directly onto ZnSe(N2H4)(0.5)substrates to induce advantageous charge separation. The SnO2/ZnSe(N2H4)(0.5)nanocomposites could be easily synthesized through a one-pot hydrothermal process. Owing to the absence of capping ligands, the attached SnO(2)QDs displayed superior photocatalytic properties, generating many exposed reactive surfaces. Moreover, the addition of a specified amount of SnO(2)boosted the visible-light photocatalytic activity; however, the presence of excess SnO(2)QDs in the substrate resulted in aggregation and deteriorated the performance. The spectroscopic data revealed that the SnO(2)QDs act as a photocatalytic mediator and enhance the charge separation within the type II band alignment system of the SnO2/ZnSe(N2H4)(0.5)heterojunction photocatalysts. The separated charges in the heterojunction nanocomposites promote radical generation and react with pollutants, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic performance.