TiO2/SnO2 nano-composite: New insights in synthetic, structural, optical and photocatalytic aspects

Abstract The development of composites of TiO2 with other metal oxides and their utilization for the removal of hazards has attracted the interest of scientific community. Among the different metal oxides, the oxides of tin with TiO2 form the highly stable composites by altering in structural and optical characteristics. This review aims to focus on the alteration in characteristics of TiO2 when it makes composites with tin oxide. The addition of tin oxide favors the formation of the rutile phase of TiO2. It is found that narrow bandgap, unique electronic structure, and larger surface-to-volume ratio make composites of TiO2 with tin oxide potential candidates for environment purification. The morphology is also affected after the addition of tin oxide in TiO2. The introduction of tin oxide in TiO2 enhances the light absorption tendency and life span of the photoinduced charged carrier. These characteristics influence the performance of the photocatalysts in one way or the other. This review will enlighten the knowledge of the upcoming researchers about the influence of tin oxide on the structural, morphological, optical, and photocatalytic characteristics of TiO2 that will help them in the development of new composites materials possessing the improved photocatalytic activity.