Synthesis of hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 photocatalysts with different morphologies and their application for photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI)

Hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized through inducing of Galla Chinensis pollen. Hierarchical morphologies (nanoparticles, nanosheets and nanobelts) were obtained by adjusting NaOH aqueous concentrations. The hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results indicate that hierarchical TiO2/SnO2 nanobelts exhibit high photo-catalytic properties for reduction of Cr(VI). It is anticipated that our work could provide an efficient synthetic approach to design a large variety of hierarchical photocatalysts for diverse photocatalytic applications.