A Versatile Nb2O5/SnO2 Heterostructure for Different Environmental Purposes: Water Treatment and Artificial Photosynthesis

Author(s)

A. Rodrigues, Thais ^[1] ; Falsetti, Paulo H. E. ^[2] ; Del Duque, Douglas M. S. ^[3] ; da Silva, Gelson T. S. T. ^[4] ; F. Lopes, Osmando ^{[5, 6]} ; Avansi, Waldir ^[2] ; Ribeiro, Caue ^[4] ; R. de Mendonca, Vagner ^{[1, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, BR-18052780 Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Fed Inst Sci Educ & Technol Sao Paulo, BR-18208000 Itapetininga, SP - Brazil

^[4] Embrapa Instrumentat, Nanotechnol Natl Lab Agr LNNA, BR-13561260 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[5] Forschungszentrum Julich, Inst Energy & Climate Res IEK 14, Electrochem Proc Engn, D-52425 Julich - Germany

^[6] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Lab Photochem & Mat Sci, Inst Chem, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHEMCATCHEM; v. 13, n. 2 DEC 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

A versatile Nb2O5/SnO2 heterostructure, adequate for different processes, was successfully synthesized by adding SnO2 to the hydrothermal Nb2O5 synthesis process. The presence of SnO2 dispersed over Nb2O5 did not modify its crystalline structure. On the other hand, the properties of the material were strongly affected by coupling the semiconductors. The heterostructure exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to pure Nb2O5 in the degradation of rhodamine B dye and the amiloride medication under UV radiation, as well as during CO2 photoreduction. Moreover, the heterostructured material was more efficient at removing the cationic species methylene blue dye and Mn (II) from the aqueous solution through adsorption than pure Nb2O5. Its versatility has been explained by reference to the negative surface charge induced by SnO2 and the charge separation in the heterostructure, which increases their lifetimes, making it possible to reach the surface of the material and promote the reaction in the oxidative and reductive processes. Our results indicate that coupled Nb2O5/SnO2 can be a unique platform to different forms of environmental treatment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/17553-3 - Development of Nb2O5 synthesis methodologies and evaluation of its potential in the treatment of organic effluents
• Grantee: Thaís Aparecida Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 18/01258-5 - Novel chemical catalytic and photocatalytic processes for the direct conversion of methane and CO2 to products
• Grantee: José Maria Correa Bueno
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants