Synthesis of Semiconductor SnO2 Hollow Nanosphere; Their Modified Electrode for Electrochemical Reduction and Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide, Ethanol and Oxidation of Bioactive Molecules

The pure semiconductor SnO2 hollow nanosphere (HNS) was synthesized by a carbon sphere (CS) template-assisted in solution phase growth method using Tin (IV) chloride (SnCl4). This HNS is fabricated or formed by aggregations among the adjacent SnO2 nanoparticles at above 100 degrees C temperature. The difference between the valance and conduction bands gap is found to be 3.387 eV. The whole diameter of the SnO2 HNS is ranged from 300-500 nm in size with the thickness of the wall 40-50 nm. The SnO2 nanoparticle size ranges from 20 to 30 nm. The dimension of the HNS are controlled by adjusting the some parameters, such as the concentration of SnCl4, the aging time, temperature, and the size of carbon spheres. The whole HNS size and wall thickness are affected by the Sn4+, due to the electrostatic force between CS and metal ions. The fabricated semiconductor SnO2 HNS was characterized by various analytical methods such as diffusion reflectance spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectra, an X-ray diffraction pattern, Energy-dispersive X-ray pattern, Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and High-resolution transmittance electron microscope. Then, this semiconductor SnO2 hollow nanosphere-modified glassy carbon electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ethanol with corresponding electro potential appeared at - 0.630 and - 0.624 V respectively. The oxidation of bioactive molecules such as Ascorbic acid, Dopamine, and Propyl gallate, with oxidation potential appeared at 0.634, 0.698, and 0.526 V respectively in low reduction potential.

Automated summary

The pure semiconductor SnO2 hollow nanosphere (HNS) with a diameter ranging from 300-500 nm and a wall thickness of 40-50 nm was synthesized using a carbon sphere (CS) template-assisted method. The SnO2 nanoparticle size was found to be 20-30 nm. The dimension of the HNS was controlled by adjusting parameters such as SnCl4 concentration, aging time, temperature, and carbon sphere size. The SnO2 HNS exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ethanol, as well as the oxidation of bioactive molecules.