Abstract

In this paper, SnO2 nano particles were loaded on TiO2 nanotubes (SnO2/TNTs) by onestep hydrothermal method with the purpose to enhance the photocatalytic ability of TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs). Structure and morphology of the material were characterized by X-ray diffraction measurement (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SnO2 nano particles onto TNTs prevent the recombination of electronhole pairs at the interface area. This contribution increased the photocatalytic efficiency of the material. The effect of SnO2 contents on the photocatalytic activities of the composite materials was also investigated with methylene blue that is chosen as the pollutant in industry. The results showed that SnO2/TNTs composite materials had been successfully synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method and SnO2/TNTs composite material with 2 % SnO2 content loading possesses the highest photocatalytic efficiency with 70 % after 180 minutes illuminated under sunlight.