Application of Zn2SnO4 photocatalyst prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal route in the degradation of organic pollutant under sunlight

Zn2SnO4 crystals were successfully synthesized under microwave-assisted irradiation. The structural properties of the powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms (BET). Through a microwave-assisted hydrothermal route, porous Zn2SnO4 particles with a high specific surface area were obtained in a short synthesis time. In addition, Zn2SnO4 particles were tested as a photocatalyst for the degradation of textile dye under sunlight. The results showed that the maximum photocatalytic activity of Zn2SnO4 particles was about 50% degradation of the Reactive Red 141 dye in 270 min under sunlight irradiation, and that photocatalytic process followed zero-order kinetics. After sunlight exposure, 37% of total organic carbon (TOC) was removed. The photocatalytic results indicated that the Zn2SnO4 particles can be promising in the degradation of dye from aqueous solution under sunlight.