Nanocrystalline ZnO–SnO2 mixed metal oxide powder: microstructural study, optical properties, and photocatalytic activity

In this study, nanocrystalline ZnO–SnO2 mixed metal oxide powder was prepared by co-precipitation using Zn(CH3COO)2∙2H2O and SnCl4∙5H2O as precursor materials. The powder was characterized by X–ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Williamson–Hall method was used to evaluate the micro structural parameters of ZnO–SnO2 such as crystallite sizes and lattice strain. The photoluminescence property of the sample was studied at different temperatures (10–300 K). Results showed that the emission intensity decreases with temperature increasing. The photocatalytic activity at the gas–solid interface was assessed by monitoring the degradation of nitrogen oxides, a major atmospheric pollutant. The results show that the nanocrystalline ZnO–SnO2 mixed metal oxide powder exhibits higher and more stable photocatalytic activity against photocorrosion than ZnO alone. Graphical abstract: [InlineMediaObject not available: see fulltext.].