Template-free fabrication of hierarchical macro/mesoporpous SnS2/TiO2 composite with enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Methyl Orange (MO)

Ordered macro/mesoporous SnS2/TiO2 composite was successfully prepared via a template- free aqueous technique using tetrabutyl titanate as the titanium precursor and SnCl4 center dot 5H2O as the tin precursor. The photocatalytic activity of SnS2/TiO2 composite was tested by the degradation of Methyl Orange (MO) aqueous solution under irradiation of the simulated sunlight. It was found that SnS2/TiO2 composite displayed an enhanced photocatalytic activity with a 0.055 min(-1) apparent rate constant (degradation efficiency of 90.9% within 50 min). The ordered macro/mesoporous structure and SnS2/TiO2 heterostructure were considered to play synergistic effects in its enhanced photocatalytic performance, because the ordered porous structure can improve mass transfer and light capture, and heterostructure between SnS2 and TiO2 can reduce the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.