Facile green synthesis of SnS2 nanoparticles using Tulsi extract: insight into the optical and photocatalytic properties

Abstract

ABSTRACT Herein we have reported the fabrication of green SnS2 (g-SnS2) granules via a facile precipitation technique employing Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) extract as a stabilising and capping agent. The prepared g-SnS2 nanoparticles were characterised through XRD, UV-DRS, PL, BET, XPS, SEM and TEM for their surface morphology and physicochemical properties. It showed enhanced Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) assisted photodegradation of a cationic (Bismarck Brown R) and anionic (Methyl Orange) azo dyes in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Maximum degradation of 72.54 ± 1.23% of Bismarck Brown R (BBR) and 69.34 ± 1.22% of methyl orange (MO) with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.02833 min−1 and 0.02576 min−1 for BBR and MO, respectively, within 60 min of visible light irradiation higher than SnS2 nanoparticles synthesised without the use of capping agent. The improved photocatalytic activity was attributed to the rough and defect-rich morphology of the prepared g-SnS2. The humic acid (HA) concentration showed a reduction in the photocatalytic degradation efficiency. The as-synthesised g-SnS2 nanoparticles could serve as a potential material for the degradation of azo dyes from waste water.