Synthesis of Citrus Limon mediated SnO2-WO3 nanocomposite: Applications to photocatalytic activity and electrochemical sensor

The SnO2-WO3 nanocomposite was synthesized through green combustion method using Citrus Limon (lemon Juice) as a fuel. Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) pattern confirms the biphasic composite having (i) tetragonal SnO2 (JCPDS No: 041-1445) and (ii) monoclinic WO3 (JCPDS No: 033-1387) phases. Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectrum shows the vibrational peaks at 598 cm(-1) for Sn-O-Sn and 711 cm(-1) and 807 cm(-1) for W-O bonds, respectively. A strong absorption band was observed at 268 nm, which is corresponding to the bandgap of 4.09 eV. The SnO2-WO3 nanocomposite shows agglomerated, irregular shape of nanoparticles. The average particle size was found to be 75 nm. SnO2-WO3 nanocomposite shows marvellous photocatalytic activity against methylene blue (MB) dye degradation in all parameters. Also, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were employed to analyze the electrochemical properties of prepared samples by using modified carbon paste electrodes for the determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).