Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical architectures are currently attracting worldwide interest owing to their fascinating morphology-dependent properties and potential applications. Herein we constructed SnO 2 microspheres with 3D hierarchical flower-like architectures self-assembled with porous SnS 2 nanosheets by a facile hydrothermal method with subsequent calcination. The chemical and physical properties as well as photocatalytic application of SnO 2 microspheres were investigated. The size and morphology were examined with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The phase and crystalline structure were determined with powder X-ray diffraction. The UV-Vis absorption property was determined with UV-Vis diffuse reflectance. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated with nitrogen monoxide (NO) decomposition under UV-Vis light irradiation. The effects of calcination temperature on morphology and NO decomposition were also studied. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.