Structural and optical behavior of SnS2/NiFe2O4 NCs prepared via novel two-step synthesis approach for MB and RhB dye degradation under sun light irradiation

Abstract

The present investigation focuses on facile two-step synthesis approach fabrication of tin sulfide (SnS2)/ nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanocomposites (NCs) for the first time. The crystallinity and phase purity of the prepared material was investigated in powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies. The presence of functional groups (stretching and bending vibration) was primarily determined by the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. As well as, optical behavior of the synthesized samples was determined in UV–Vis absorption spectroscopic studies, and the presence of surface defects was established by PL spectroscopic studies. From the FESEM analysis, sponge-like structure was attained and Ni, Fe, Sn, S and O elemental component was determined by the EDAX spectrum analysis. The as-prepared SnS2/NiFe2O4 NCs exhibit superior photocatalytic performance and high stability toward the reduction of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) dyes under irradiation of direct sunlight. The synthesized nanocomposites showed an efficient photocatalytic activity with a high reaction kinetic rate.