Facile fabrication of Zn-doped SnO2 nanoparticles for enhanced photocatalytic dye degradation performance under visible light exposure

The pure and Zn-doped SnO2 (Zn: SnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by facile hydrothermal assisted precipitation way. The optical, structural and photocatalytic properties were sensibly studied. The XRD pattern exposed that the samples have directly fashioned tetragonal SnO2 crystallites by the absence of any zinc crystalline segment at all the doping concentration (0, 2 and 4%). According to UV-vis. DRS optical absorption measurements were escorted through a reduction in the bandgap value since 3.4 eV for undoped/pristine SnO2 to 3.2 eV for 4% Zn: SnO2 NPs. The photocatalytic properties of as-obtained Zn: SnO2 photocatalysts (PCs) were evaluated through the photodegradation of MB dye under visible light treatment. The 4% of Zn-doped SnO2 PCs accessible superior photocatalytic ability and reusability, which could be primarily recognized to dopant of Zn centres, with leads to a nearly (93.03%) discolouration of the MB dye solution in 120 min of visible light exposure. Likewise, the 4% Zn doping concentrated catalyst has almost 2.65 and 1.29 times greater than undoped and 2% Zn-doped SnO2 PCs, and also the possible photocatalytic mechanism process was systematically discussed.

Automated summary

Pure and Zn-doped SnO2 nanoparticles were prepared via a hydrothermal assisted precipitation method. The 4% Zn-doped SnO2 showed superior photocatalytic performance and visibility under visible light treatment.