RESUMEN
In this paper, we report a simple, cost effective and surfactant-free method for synthesizing different morphology of ß-SnWO4 with irregular, spherical, flake-like and leaf-like structures by using sonochemical method followed by calcination. A well dispersed and highly crystalline ß-SnWO4 crystallites with various sizes have been prepared. The samples were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-vis spectroscopy, particle size and Zeta potential analyser. The SEM images reveal the successful preparation of an irregular, spherical, flake-like and leaf-like structure of ß-SnWO4. The absorption maximum of as-prepared different structures of ß-SnWO4 was observed in visible region. The degradation efficiency was found to be increased in leaf-like structures compared to irregular, spherical and flake-like structures of ß-SnWO4. Further, an enhanced photocatalytic effect was observed in leaf-like ß-SnWO4 nanoparticles while the common oxidants such as peroxomonosulphate (PMS), peroxodisulphate (PDS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were added. The degradation efficiency of these oxidants was found in the order of PMS > H2O2 > PDS. Generally these oxidants act as electron scavengers. From our experimental results, it is found that maximum efficiency of 93% was achieved when PMS was added. This shows the vital role of common oxidants in photocatalytic characteristics and their future applications in waste-water treatment.