Cellulose/SnS2 composite with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity prepared by microwave-assisted ionic liquid method

Abstract

A facile method was used to synthesize cellulose/SnS₂ composites (CE/SnS₂) by a microwave-assisted ionic liquid (MAIL) method. The effects of ionic liquid types on the structure and properties of SnS₂ samples were investigated. Results showed that the ionic liquid played an important role in the control over the morphology, size and photocatalytic performance of the SnS₂ particles. The as-synthesized CE/SnS₂ composites were systematically investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS, UV-visible and PL. It was demonstrated that the obtained CE/SnS₂ composites showed three-dimensional architecture and excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity as photocatalyst for RhB degradation. The superior visible-light photocatalytic performances for composites were ascribed to their composite structure and the synergistic effects between flower-like SnS₂ and cellulose.