Photocatalytic Decomposition of 2,4-Dichlorophenol Using Platelike SnO2/ZnO Composites Prepared by a Facile Route

Well dispersed SnO2/ZnO composites with platelike shape were synthesized via a facile method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–Vis DRS) were used to characterize the products. Photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared SnO2/ZnO composites was evaluated by degradation of persistent organic pollutant 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in aqueous solution. Compared with pure ZnO, SnO2/ZnO composites show higher photocatalytic activity under simulated solar light irradiation. 2,4-DCP is almost completely degraded by SnO2/ZnO composite with molar ratio 1 : 3 within 3.5 h. Moreover, the SnO2/ZnO composites also show excellent circulation stability. The high performance of SnO2/ZnO is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect between SnO2 and ZnO.