In situ synthesis of tin oxide nanoparticles on cotton fabrics-physicochemical and photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Different concentrations of Tin Oxide nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by the sol-gel method using Tin Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide precursors. Cotton fabrics were impregnated by the synthesized tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles and the physicochemical properties of the treated fabrics were investigated. The crystalline structure and their size were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Elemental analysis, photocatalytic properties, and thermal properties of fabrics were investigated by energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), absorption spectrophotometry, and determination of residual ash content, respectively. Fabric hydrophilic properties have also been studied. The thermal properties of the impregnated fabrics have been improved compared to the raw material. The results show that, the pH of the medium play very important role in synthesizing Tin Oxide nanoparticles.