Interface of GO with SnO₂ quantum dots as an efficient visible-light photocatalyst

Graphene oxide (GO) with beneficial functional groups regulates the surface chemistry for catalytic applications. However, the low electrical conductivity of GO invokes further treatments that compromise the above-valued properties. We report an interfacial engineering of GO decorated with SnO₂ quantum dots (QDs) for the visible-light-driven catalysis of dye degradation. Retention of beneficial functional features of GO and QDs in the GO-SnO₂ composite is established by using TEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Further, investigations with EXAFS and lifetime-measurements provide the local structure and defects distributions in QDs which are correlated with the improved conductivity. PL and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements help unraveling the charge-transfer across the interface of the GO-SnO₂ composite. The unique ability of ∼94% degradation of MB using only 0.5 mg of GO-SnO₂ catalyst within half an hour under the visible light is demonstrated for the first time with insights on the photocatalytic mechanism.