An overview of SnO2 based Z scheme heterojuctions: Fabrication, mechanism and advanced photocatalytic applications

Not just people, but all living species, desire a clean and green environment to live a happy and healthy life. However, in our ever-increasingly congested world, it is quite challenging. Excessive deforestation, factory smoke, various chemical compounds, agricultural chemicals, etc. all pollute our environment severely. Some of its adverse consequences include water contamination and a shortage of energy supplies. In recent times, photocatalysts have sparked tremendous attention as a means of addressing energy demands as well as environmental challenges (water pollution). For this, SnO2 and SnO2 based photocatalysts have gained a great attention due to its good photocatalytic ability. In the same way, SnO2-based Z-scheme photocatalysts has extended significant interest to address these concerns due to its strong photocatalytic characteristics, energy savings, eco-friendliness, and lack of adverse health effects. Though, the photocatalytic effectiveness of conventional SnO2 semiconductors, with their shortcomings, falls well short of the real requirements. The current review emphasizes on admirable properties and several synthesis processes of SnO2 which make it an ideal photocatalyst. This study also stresses the fundamental shortcomings of SnO2 that restrict its utilization. The central section of this review is concentrated on SnO2-based Z-scheme photocatalysts and most recent significant research modification of Z-scheme SnO2-based photocatalysts. The photocatalytic applications of Z-scheme SnO2-based photocatalysts for pollutants removal, energy conversion, and water splitting are also summarized. In conclusion, we have addressed the challenges and future exploration of SnO2-based photocatalysts with a Z-scheme heterojunction type for pollutant degradation and energy conversion.