Construction of p–n junction type Ag2O/SnO2 heterostructure photocatalyst for enhanced organic dye degradation under direct sunlight irradiation: Experimental and theoretical investigations

The p–n junction type like Ag2O/SnO2 nanorods (NRs) photocatalysts have been synthesized by adding different concentrations of Silver (Ag) during SnO2 NRs synthesis. The SnO2 NRs with tetragonal and Ag2O nanoparticle (NPs) with cubic crystal structures are confirmed from SEM and XRD analyses. The Ag satellite peaks, 3d3/2 and 3d5/2, confirm the formation of Ag2O in the sample. The length of SnO2 NRs (approximately 4 to 5 μm) is gradually decreased by increasing Ag2O addition. When compared with pure SnO2 NRs, Ag2O/SnO2 photocatalysts show enhanced photodegradation activity in short time is concluding that co-existence of Ag2O and SnO2 NRs expedites photodegradation activity. Especially, 3 mol% Ag addition led Ag2O/SnO2 photocatalyst displays the highest methylene blue dye degradation (96%) under open sunlight in 30 min, and shows efficient redox behavior up to 6 cycles. Eventually, theoretical calculations such as DOS and NBO were carried out to support experimental counterpart.