Synthesis of TiO₂ modified self-assembled honeycomb ZnO/SnO₂ nanocomposites for exceptional photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol and bisphenol A

In this study, we have successfully synthesized honeycomb-like self-assembled structure of TiO₂ modified ZnO/SnO₂ nanostructure via co-precipitation method with exceptional high degradation activities for 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and bisphenol A (BPA) pollutants. The as-prepared samples were calcined in tube furnace at high elevated temperature (700, 800 and 900 °C) for 1 h. Among the TiO₂ modified samples, ZST10-700 showed higher charge separation as demonstrated from surface photovoltage spectroscopy, photoluminance and electrochemical curve. Surface morphology, crystallinity, optical property and different functional groups in the samples were determined with SEM, EDX, XRD, UV–Vis DRS and FTIR, respectively. Interestingly, 72% and 58% photocatalytic degradation efficiencies were achieved with optimized ZST10-700 for 2,4-DCP and BPA, respectively. In comparison, the pure ZS-700 only showed 36% and 29% photocatalytic degradation efficiencies, respectively. The improved photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of the optimized ZST10-700 are mainly due to improved charge separation and prolonged charge lifetime. It was further verified that by increasing calcination temperature, the photocatalytic activity decreased, and this is attributed to the formation of photo-inactive phases like Zn₂SnO₄ and ZnTiO₃. We believe that this work will provide an effective strategy to construct ternary heterojunction for the elimination of pollutants.