Nanoarchitectonics of Zn₂SnO₄/ZnO heterostructure composites for better photocatalytic performance

In this work, the Zn₂SnO₄/ZnO nanocomposites synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method had been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and surface area analysis (BET) techniques, while the photocatalytic activity of the Zn₂SnO₄/ZnO had been investigated during the degradation process of organic pollutants under UV irradiation. The results indicate that the Zn₂SnO₄/ZnO displays a cube and rod-shape intertwined structure, which allows the material to maintain a large specific surface area while preserving its structural stability. The nanocomposite demonstrates a high photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue (MB), ofloxacin antibiotics (OFL), and 5% cis–trans cypermethrin emulsion (5% CTC). The heterostructure of the Zn₂SnO₄/ZnO effectively inhibited the electron–hole recombination, greatly improved the activity and stability of the catalyst, and effectively promoted the catalytic reaction.