Biosynthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles by aqueous leaf extract of Calotropis gigantea for photocatalytic applications

Here we developed biogenic route for the synthesis of SnO2 NPs by using aqueous leaf extract of Calotropis gigantea which acts as reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized SnO2 NPs were characterized by different characterization techniques such as UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis and high resolution transmission electron microscope. XRD pattern shows tetragonal structure of SnO2 NPs with 35 nm size. The FT-IR spectra of aqueous leaf extract shows the presence of hydroxyl group, aldehydes, amines and aromatic rings which are responsible for biochemical transformation. The FE-SEM analysis suggests mixed morphology with slight agglomeration. DRS absorption spectrum indicates the band gap is about 3.1 eV. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized SnO2 NPs checked for the degradation of Methyl Orange and found up to 80% degradation within 3 h under UV-visible light.