Facile synthesis of core–shell SnO2/V2O5 nanowires and their efficient photocatalytic property

One-dimensional SnO2/V2O5 core–shell nanowires were synthesized by a combination of hydrothermal and wet chemical routes at room temperature. The photocatalytic behavior of the SnO2/V2O5 nanowires for the photodegradation of toluidine blue “O” dye (TBO) under UV exposure was examined. SnO2/V2O5 showed better photocatalytic activity than V2O5 nanowires and bulk. The significant enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of the core–shell SnO2/V2O5 nanowires was attributed mainly to its large specific surface area and efficient charge separation at the SnO2/V2O5 photocatalyst interface.