Structural and Optical Property of Core-shell Tio2/Sno2 Nanocomposites Exhibiting Photocatalytic Behavior

Here we report on the morphological and optical properties of TiO₂/SnO₂ nanocomposites prepared by a sol-gel method. The method comprises of a simple chemical reaction between Titanium isopropoxide solution and Water as well as subsequent addition of SnCl₂ solution to avail the coating of SnO₂ layer on the surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles. The as synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles display strong UV absorbance characteristics. The XRD patterns verify the anatase phase of TiO₂ nanoparticles. The presence of both TiO₂ and SnO₂ in the sample is confirmed through XRD pattern. HRTEM images show clear evidence of formation of composite(coreshell) nanostructure in the sample. Optical properties of both TiO₂ and composite TiO₂/SnO₂ nanostructures are studied using UV-Vis absorption spectra, Photoluminescence and FTIR spectra. The performance of the composite nanostructure as a photocatalytic agent in comparison to the core TiO₂ nanostructures is also investigated for methyl orange dye under illumination of light. The Urbach energy of both the system is calculated and correlated with the photocatalytic degradation.