Synthesis of SnNb2O6 Nanoplates and Their Photocatalytic Properties

Abstract The visible light-driven photocatalyst SnNb2O6 was synthesized by reacting Sr2Nb2O7 with molten SnCl2 at 573 K. SEM observations revealed that the SnNb2O6 sample had a surface area of 56 m2 g−1, with particles having a nanoplate shape, a thickness of ca. 10 nm and widths of several hundred nm. A Pt-loaded SnNb2O6 nanoplate sample showed photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution from an aqueous methanol solution under visible light irradiation.