Solar-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity of Novel Sn@C-Dots-Modified TiO2 Catalyst

The photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) has already been investigated and compared with that of other materials. The main goal of the current study is to functionalize TiO2 with tin-doped carbon dots (Sn@C-dots/TiO2) and explore the activity of this composite as a photocatalyst for the photodegradation of dye molecules. The new composite Sn@C-dots/TiO2 was prepared by a two-step sonochemical reaction: a) Formation of Sn@C-dots by ultrasonic irradiation of molten tin immersed in polyethylene glycol at 260 degrees C; b) Addition of TiO2 and further sonication to induce the adhesion of the Sn@C-dots on the surface of the TiO2. The resulting composite was examined as a photocatalyst for the photodegradation of methylene blue and crystal violet under solar radiation and was found to exhibit better activity than commercial TiO2 or C-dots/TiO2. Doping C-dots with Sn and making hybrid Sn@C-dots/TiO2 nanocomposites opens a new type of photocatalytic materials.