Bubble template synthesis of Sn2Nb2O7 hollow spheres for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

Hierarchical Sn₂Nb₂O₇ hollow spheres were prepared for the first time via a facile hydrothermal route using bubbles generated in situ from the decomposition of urea as soft templates. The as-obtained hollow spheres with a large specific surface area of 58.3 m² g⁻¹ show improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic H₂ production activity in lactic acid aqueous solutions, about 4 times higher than that of the bulk Sn₂Nb₂O₇ sample prepared by a conventional high temperature solid state reaction method.