Sn(IV)porphyrin-Anchored TiO2 Nanoparticles via Axial-Ligand Coordination for Enhancement of Visible Light-Activated Photocatalytic Degradation

Abstract

A visible-light-active photocatalyst, SnP/AA@TiO2, was fabricated by utilizing the coordination chemistry between the axial hydroxo-ligand in the (trans-dihydroxo)(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)Sn(IV) complex (SnP) and adipic acid (AA) on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles. The SnP center was strongly bonded to the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles via the adipic acid linkage in SnP/AA@TiO2, as confirmed by various instrumental techniques. SnP/AA@TiO2 exhibited remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of rhodamine B dye (RhB) in aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation. The RhB degradation efficiency of SnP/AA@TiO2 was 95% within 80 min, with a rate constant of 0.0366 min−1. The high degradation efficiency, low catalyst loading and high reusability make SnP-anchored photocatalysts more efficient than other photocatalysts, such as TiO2 and SnP@TiO2.