Synthesis and photocatalytic property of metal@SnO2 core-shell structure nanocomposites

A simple soft-chemical technique for processing of metal@SnO2 nanocomposites with core-shell morphology is reported. In the present technique metal nanoparticles are prepared by chemical reduction technique followed by deposition of tin dioxide. Thus a core-shell type structure is produced. The phase and morphology has been investigated by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As prepared Au@SnO2 and Ag@SnO2 core-shell nanocomposites have shown distinct surface Plasmon band in the UV-visible spectrum at 540 nm and 400 nm respectively. The core-shell morphology is confirmed from the TEM images. XRD patterns have suggested the presence of noble metal and tin dioxide in the Cassiterite form. These metal@SnO2 nanocomposites have been successfully used for the photocatalytic oxidation of acetaldehyde. Our investigations suggest that presence of noble metal core in contact with tin dioxide shell enhances the photocatalytic activity of the material.