PbS–SnO2 nanocomposite with enhanced magnetic, photocatalytic and antifungal properties

Abstract

A cost effective chemical route is used to synthesize pure PbS, SnO2 and PbS–SnO2 nanocomposites. The thermal behavior, magnetic, photocatalytic and antifungal properties of the synthesized samples were investigated. The composite becomes well crystallized above 284 °C. Diffraction peaks related to PbS and SnO2 were observed in the XRD pattern of the composite. EDX spectrum confirms the presence of the elements Pb, S, Sn and O in the composite. Functional groups related to Pb–S and Sn–O is evinced from the FTIR spectrum. Photoluminescence studies confirm that the PbS–SnO2 nanocomposite has optical band gap value intermediate between pure PbS and SnO2 nanopowders. Photocatalytic studies confirm that the PbS–SnO2 composite have better degradation efficiency against methyl orange compared to that of pure PbS and SnO2 nanopowders. Enhanced ferromagnetic behavior is observed for the composite. The composite had better antifungal efficiency against A. niger fungus strain.