Insight into the Local Surface Plasmon Resonance Effect of Pt-SnS2 Nanosheets in Tetracycline Photodegradation

Abstract

Constructing highly efficient catalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants driven by solar light in aquatic environments is a promising and green strategy. In this study, a novel hexagonal sheet-like Pt/SnS2 heterojunction photocatalyst is successfully designed and fabricated using a hydrothermal method and photodeposition process for photocatalytic tetracycline (TC) degradation. The optimal Pt/SnS2 hybrid behaves with excellent photocatalytic performance, with a degradation efficiency of 91.27% after 120 min, a reaction rate constant of 0.0187 min−1, and durability, which can be attributed to (i) the formation of a metal/semiconductor interface field caused by loading Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of SnS2, facilitating the separation of photo-induced charge carriers; (ii) the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Pt NPs, extending the light absorption range; and (iii) the sheet-like structure of SnS2, which can shorten the transmission distance of charge carriers, thereby allowing more electrons (e−) and holes (h+) to transfer to the surface of the catalyst. This work provides new insights with the utilization of sheet-like structured materials for highly active photocatalytic TC degradation in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.