A Versatile Nb2O5/SnO2 Heterostructure for Different Environmental Purposes: Water Treatment and Artificial Photosynthesis

Abstract A versatile Nb 2 O 5 /SnO 2 heterostructure, adequate for different processes, was successfully synthesized by adding SnO 2 to the hydrothermal Nb 2 O 5 synthesis process. The presence of SnO 2 dispersed over Nb 2 O 5 did not modify its crystalline structure. On the other hand, the properties of the material were strongly affected by coupling the semiconductors. The heterostructure exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to pure Nb 2 O 5 in the degradation of rhodamine B dye and the amiloride medication under UV radiation, as well as during CO 2 photoreduction. Moreover, the heterostructured material was more efficient at removing the cationic species methylene blue dye and Mn (II) from the aqueous solution through adsorption than pure Nb 2 O 5 . Its versatility has been explained by reference to the negative surface charge induced by SnO 2 and the charge separation in the heterostructure, which increases their lifetimes, making it possible to reach the surface of the material and promote the reaction in the oxidative and reductive processes. Our results indicate that coupled Nb 2 O 5 /SnO 2 can be a unique platform to different forms of environmental treatment.