Green biosynthesized N-doped Bi2O3@SnO2 nanocomposite for efficient remediation of endocrine disrupting pesticides

Abstract

Many persistent and low-cost pesticides are regularly used for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purpose. Bioaccumulation and toxicity of pesticides have raised environmental concerns, highlighting the need for effective removal techniques by using nanomaterials. The ability of hybrid nitrogen incorporated bismuth oxide with stannous oxide (N-Bi2O3@SnO2) were utilized for the removal of Ethion (ET) and Toxaphene (TP) pesticides. Leaves of A. indica (commonly found plant in India) employed as a natural surfactant and deionised water as a greener solvent. The purity and crystallinity of the deformed spherical nanoparticle (10–80 nm) were ensured by the sharp peaks acquired by PXRD. Subsequently, N-Bi2O3@SnO2 nanocomposite was investigated for the elimination of pesticides at discrete reaction parameters (pollutant: 2–10 mgL−1; catalyst: 15–35 mg; pH: 3–11, dark-sunlight). N-Bi2O3@SnO2 nanocomposite showed maximum degradation (ET:96 % and TP:90 %) with 30 mg catalytic dosage, at initial concentration of pesticide (2 mgL−1) at neutral pH under sunlight irradiation. Larger surface area (75 m2g−1), more negative value of zeta potential (–23.4 mV), and lower bandgap (2.1 eV) supported the effective photocatalytic efficiency of N-Bi2O3@SnO2 nanocomposite. The presence of holes, O2, and OH radicals were responsible for the breakdown of the complex structure of ET and TP, confirmed by scavenger analysis. Safer metabolites formed after degradation confirmed by GC–MS analysis. Conclusively, by virtues greater efficiency of reusability (n = 8), stability, and greater charge separation, hybrid N-Bi2O3@SnO2 nanocomposite may prove as an alternative catalyst for industrial application with intense scope.