Effect of Microwave Power on the Zn2SnO4 Synthesis and Its Use for Photodegradation of Phenol

Spinel structure Zn2SnO4 was successfully synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal process. The effects of the microwave power on the formation and physical properties of the Zn2SnO4 particles are discussed. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption. The results indicated that the microwave power had important influence on the formation of the spinel phase. The results also revealed that the physical properties of Zn2SnO4 particles did not change with the increase of the microwave power above 600 W, with 20 min of reaction time. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the Zn2SnO4 particles for the phenol degradation under sunlight was also investigated.