Facile Surfactant-Free synthesis of Pd-Sn1.1Nb2O5.5F0.9@SnO2 Core–Shell Nano-Octahedrons for efficient photocatalytic ethylene oxidation

A ternary core–shell structure composed of Sn1.1Nb2O5.5F0.9 (SNOF), Pd nanoparticles, and the SnO2 was fabricated by a facile one-step process at room temperature. In this structure, the SNOF nano-octahedrons were coated with thin layers of SnO2, and Pd nanoparticles were embedded in the SnO2 matrix. The formation of SnO2 and Pd nanomaterials was induced by the redox reaction between the reductive Sn2+ ions of the SNOF and the H2PdCl4 solution. During this process, there are no organic species or foreign reducing agents involved. The as-obtained Pd-Sn1.1Nb2O5.5F0.9@SnO2 ([email protected]2) nanocomposites showed efficient photoactivities for C2H4 oxidation under simulated sunlight irradiation, which was significantly higher than that of the blank SNOF. The mineral ratio was determined to be ∼ 100%, and the catalyst was stable after five cycles. This result was ascribed to the core–shell structure of SNOF and SnO2 as well as the embedded Pd nanoparticles functioning as an electron trapping site, which can effectively accept the photo-excited electrons.