Preparation of tin ferrite-tin oxide by hydrothermal, precipitation and auto-combustion: photo-catalyst and magnetic nanocomposites for degradation of toxic azo-dyes

In this work, tin ferrite nanoparticles were first synthesized by simple chemical procedures such as co precipitation, sol-gel auto combustion and hydrothermal methods. In general, all three methods were compared in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Then tin ferrite-tin oxide (50%:50%) nanocomposites were prepared using co precipitation method. Crystal structures of nanoparticles and nanocomposite were studied using X-ray diffraction pattern. The particle size was determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Vibrating sample magnetometer was used to study the magnetic property of the products. And also, by applying Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, the purity of the material was determined. Photocatalytic activity of nanoparticles and nanocomposites was investigated under ultra-violet and visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The results show that prepared nanocomposites are applicable for magnetic and photocatalytic performance and they were able to degrade azo dyes (organic dyes) under UV-Vis radiation.