3D-Zn2SnO4 Nanobolt coupled with ZnO-SnO2 nanocomposites for ameliorated the hazardous dye degradation based on a dual Z–scheme system

Binary and ternary photocatalyst semiconductors are promising materials for enhancing photocatalytic activity. In this present work, a dual Z-scheme ZnO-SnO2-Zn2SnO4 ternary composite was synthesized through a shallow chemical precipitation technique with aid of cety-ltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB). The as-synthesized photocatalyst was characterized by multiple analytical techniques. The ternary composite morphology consequences indicated the 3D Zn2SnO4 nanobolt and ZnO spherical nanoparticles were amusingly dispersed on the exterior of SnO2 nanorods. Furthermore, the average diameter of the nanobolt at 120 ± 15 nm and the diameter of the nanobolt hole 80 ± 10 nm was predicted. Compared with the individual ZnO, SnO2, and binary composites ZnO-ZnSnO3, ZnO-SnO2, the ZnO-SnO2-Zn2SnO4 ternary composites have a very active surface with variegated morphology. The photodegradation efficiency of the synthesized catalyst was assessed against MB dye under visible light irradiation. The ternary composite MB dye degradation rate was approximately 9.5, 3.5, 3 and 1.5 times faster than that of individual and binary composites. The Construction of the dual Z- scheme ZnO-SnO2-Zn2SnO4 ternary composite was established and the mechanism of e-/h+ separation was elucidated. The unique 3D Zn2SnO4 nanobolt could simultaneously promote photocarrier transport and suppress charge recombination through the uniquely coupled ZnO-SnO2 nanocomposite interface. Meantime, the ternary photocatalysis still maintains a tremendous photodegradation rate (94.03 - 90.01) for the MB dye aqueous solution after four successive recycles. After the fourth cycle, the photocatalyst possessed robust stability and reusability. Finally, the ternary photocatalyst elucidated its potential application for the degradation of emerging pollutants for wastewater decontamination.