Development of SnO2: Ag Nanoparticle as an Affordable Catalyst for the Degradation of Gentian Violet Dye

Abstract

Abstract: An effective visible catalyst (SnO2:Ag) was successfully synthesized using co-precipitation method for the decomposition of the dye Gentian Violet (GV). In addition to XRD, SEM and UV – Visible analysis, a variety of other physicochemical measurements were used to validate the as-prepared SnO2:Ag nanoparticles. The phase identification of prepared sample is characterized by X – ray powder diffraction (XRD), which confirms the tetragonal rutile structure. The surface morphology is examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the optical absorption and the band gap value are calculated using the UV-visible spectrum. These results confirm the synthesis of nanoparticles by successive steps. A nanoparticles was demonstrated to be a superior catalyst for the degradation of GV dye when exposed to UV light. The photocatalytic activity studies are discussed using SnO2:Ag nanoparticles. The degradation efficiency of the nanoparticle is 96 % towards the degradation of the GV dye