SnO2:Zn2+ ultrathin nanowires with visible-light photocatalytic activity

Summary form only given. SnO₂ and SnO₂:Zn²⁺ ultrathin nanowires (NWs) with diameter of ~5 nm were synthesized in a simple solvothermal method, which were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectra. The obtained NWs showed tetragonal phase rutile structure with organic surfactants on their surfaces. UV-visible diffuse reflection spectra of the prepared SnO₂:Zn²⁺ NWs indicated the absorption in the visible region, presumably because of changes in its local environment by the doping of the Zn²⁺. Their photocatalytic activities are determined by Rhodamine B degradation under visible light irradiation (¿ > 400 nm). It is found that SnO₂:Zn²⁺ NWs performed much higher photocatalytic activities than SnO₂ NWs.