Photocatalytic reforming of ethanol to H2 and CH4 over ZnSn(OH)6 nanocubes

ZnSn(OH)6 nanocubes (ZHS) were synthesized by solvothermal method and then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), N2 sorption (BET surface area), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Photocatalytic reforming of ethanol for H2 production over ZHS samples were investigated and compared under different reaction conditions. The results indicated that the cubes were formed by the adsorption of small irregular ZHS particles via the Ostwald ripening process. ZHS showed high photoactivity for reforming ethanol to H2 and CH4. The H2 evolution rate of ZHS was found more susceptible to the crystallinity of the samples than the surface area, and could be significantly enhanced by loading with Pt.