Electrochemically synthesized Tin micro-nanometer powders for visible light photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye from polluted water

Tin (Sn) micro-nanoparticles with special pine tree dendritic morphology were synthesized by using tin foil as the anode and titanium as the cathode through simple anodization method. Surprisingly, it is found that the morphology of Sn particles is closely related to factors such as the type of electrolyte, the concentration of the electrolyte, and the different applied voltages, and briefly discussed the influence of various factors on the growth of Sn particles. In addition, Sn particles are calcined under different temperature conditions to obtain Sn/SnO₂ hybrid materials with different tin dioxide (SnO₂) contents. The changes in morphology and the phase of SnO₂ crystal lattices were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively, which proved the successful synthesis of Sn/SnO₂ mixed materials. Finally, the Sn/SnO₂ hybrid material with metal-doped modified semiconductor properties was used to photocatalytic degradation of simulated organic pollutants rhodamine B (RhB). It was found that the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the Sn/SnO₂ hybrid material under simulated sunlight conditions is near 90% in 5 h. Therefore, this work provides a convenient and effective environmental protection approach for the treatment of architecture and industrial dyes. Graphical Abstract: Tin (Sn) micro-nanoparticles with special pine tree dendritic morphology are synthesized through simple anodization method, and the final product Sn/SnO₂ particles after different heat treatments show superior photocatalytic degradation of RhB under simulated solar light. (Figure presented.)