Shape-dependent photocatalytic performance of SnFe2O4 nanocrystals synthesized by hydrothermal method

SnFe2O4 nanocrystals (nanocubes and nanodisks) were synthesized without using any surfactant by hydrothermal method. The morphologies of SnFe2O4 nanocrystals were depended mainly on the concentration of NaOH solution in hydrothermal condition. Transient photoelectron chemical analysis showed that the photoelectric performance of SnFe2O4 nanocubes (1.3 μA/cm2) was better than that of SnFe2O4 nanodisks (0.8 μA/cm2). The photocatalytic activity of SnFe2O4 nanocrystals was measured by degradation of Congo red solution under visible light irradiation. As a result, SnFe2O4 nanocubes showed a superior photocatalytic degradation of Congo red with the degradation rate of 92% in 120 min. The SnFe2O4 nanocubes can be recovered easily be a magnet and reused for 5 times with remained degradation efficiency about 85%. A possible photocatalytic mechanism has also been proposed. The SnFe2O4 nanocubes have good potential in water treatment applications.