Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange by noble metal Ag modified semiconductor Zn2SnO4

Ag/Zn2SnO4 nanometer photocatalysts modified with different content of precious metals were prepared by a one-cloth hydrothermal method. The crystal structure, element valence states and functional groups of Ag/Zn2SnO4 nanometer photocatalyst were characterized and analyzed by XRD, XPS and FT-IR spectra. The morphology and structure of the products were analyzed via SEM and TEM, and their optical properties were characterized by UV–vis and PL spectra. The results show that Ag/Zn2SnO4 nanomaterial has uniform morphology and good dispersibility. Through the degradation experiment of organic dye methyl orange (MO) under an ultraviolet lamp, the photocatalytic performance of 5% Ag/Zn2SnO4 nanomaterial is the best, which is 4.5 times that of Zn2SnO4. Photoelectric chemistry tests show that the modification of Zn2SnO4 by Ag reduces the recombination of electron-hole pairs and increases carrier lifetime. The photocatalytic performance of semiconductor Zn2SnO4 modified with precious metal can be improved effectively.