Addition Of SnO2 Research Articles

Impact of SnO2 doping on spectroscopic characteristics of the SnO2-Na2O-CoO-B2O3 borate glass matrix

The role of tin oxide (SnO2) on the structure-optical features of borate glasses containing low cobalt oxide impurities was studied. The study was carried out on a glass system [x SnO2 – (80-x) B2O3 – 19.5 Na2O – 0.5 CoO]; x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mol%. Glass synthesis was carried out by the melt-quench technique. Structure and optical absorption spectroscopy were carried out to explore the optical transitions of Co cations inside the present glass matrix. The obtained results indicate that, with the further addition of SnO2 content, the molar volume decreased from 31.675 cm3/mol to 29.147 cm3/mol. FTIR studies indicated the basic structural units of trigonal BO3 units and BO4 tetrahedra. Herein also, additional contents of tin oxide increased the nonbridging oxygen contents. The reason behind such increment is attributed to the existence of Sn4+ ions in octahedral coordination acting as network modifiers. Optical absorption spectra indicated the existence of Co ions in both Co2+ and Co3+ oxidation states. Moreover, the existence of significant SnO2 concurred with the significant blue shift in the visible absorption bands and red shift in near infrared absorption bands. The positions absorption bands of Co ions were analyzed in the context of ligand field parameters determinations. The obtained data of the crystal field splitting parameter (10Dqt) showed decreased values from 3451 cm−1 to 3364 cm−1 with more SnO2 addition. While Racah parameter B values were also, attained showing increased values from 967 cm−1 to 985 cm−1 when additional SnO2 is added. Further, the impacted role of SnO2 addition on the structural and optical properties of the present glasses was finally estimated.

Insights into enhanced broadband near-infrared emission of Bi-doped aluminosilicate glass by the addition of SnO

A series of Bi/Sn co-doped aluminosilicate glasses were prepared and the optical and structural properties of the samples were investigated. The near-infrared (NIR) luminescence properties of the glass were significantly improved by the co-doping of Bi and Sn. The NIR emission peaks of samples exhibit near 1220 nm. The addition of SnO changes the glass structure and induces a decrease in the number of negative charges in the local field of Bi, which causes the Bi valence state to change from a high valence state to a low valence state. The appropriate amount of Bi2O3 increases the number of Bi luminescent centers and realizes the transformation of the luminescent centers from Bi+ to Bi0. These results suggest that regulating the doping concentration of SnO and Bi2O3 is a convenient method to control the valence state of active ions and enhance the NIR luminescence properties of aluminosilicate glasses.

Substitution of Sn in the high-permeability MnZn ferrite for wide temperature applications

To meet the challenge of varied working temperatures of inductance components in new energy vehicle and 5G communication, the high-TC high-permeability MnZn ferrite with excellent temperature stability was developed by the addition of SnO2. In this series of samples, initial permeability μi maintains large values in a wide temperature range. With increasing the SnO2 content, the temperature of the second permeability peak Tsp decreases and meanwhile Curie temperature TC maintains as high as 160 °C. For the best sample with 6000 ppm SnO2, μi at 25 °C is 7244 and exhibits the excellent temperature stability with the low specific temperature coefficient of 0.35 × 10−6 °C−1 between 25 and 130 °C. The addition of SnO2 generates Fe2+ and adjusts the magneto-crystalline anisotropy constant K1 = 0 point, which is responsible for the wide-temperature high permeability. The effect of SnO2 addition on magnetization process has also been clarified.

Development of an NO2 Gas Sensor Based on Laser-Induced Graphene Operating at Room Temperature.

A novel, in situ, low-cost and facile method has been developed to fabricate flexible NO2 sensors capable of operating at ambient temperature, addressing the urgent need for monitoring this toxic gas. This technique involves the synthesis of highly porous structures, as well as the specific development of laser-induced graphene (LIG) and its heterostructures with SnO2, all through laser scribing. The morphology, phases, and compositions of the sensors were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The effects of SnO2 addition on structural and sensor properties were investigated. Gas-sensing measurements were conducted at room temperature with NO2 concentrations ranging from 50 to 10 ppm. LIG and LIG/SnO2 sensors exhibited distinct trends in response to NO2, and the gas-sensing mechanism was elucidated. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing LIG and LIG/SnO2 heterostructures in gas-sensing applications at ambient temperatures, underscoring their broad potential across diverse fields.

Optical and electrical performance of translucent BaTiO3-BaSnO3 ceramics

Lead-free piezoceramic with the composition of 0.89BaTiO3-0.11BaSnO3 (BT-11BS) was prepared by solid-state reaction followed by conventional sintering achieving nearly full density. The influence of sintering temperature on electrical properties were thoroughly investigated, implying a significant role in achieving best properties, which were obtained between 1420 and 1440 °C. The addition of SnO2 in BaTiO3 solid solution promoted grain growth, eventually resulting in the grain sizes between 145 and 216 μm. An ultra-high dielectric permittivity >5.0 × 104 and related dielectric loss of 3.1 % at ∼40 °C was achieved. A high value of quasi-static piezoelectric constant (d33) of 693 pC/N and the converse piezoelectric constant (denoted as d33*) reached a value of up to 831 pm/V in the frequency range between 10 and 110 Hz. The transmittance of ∼25 % in the visible region and ∼40 % in the infrared region together with good electromechanical properties showcasing a unique combination for this material.

Enhancing the O2 sensitivity of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ dye by incorporating SnO2 and Ni:SnO2

Oxygen (O2)-sensitive probes encapsulated in a polymeric matrix have gas sensitivity improved by adding different metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) to the composition. In this research, O2-sensitive tris(2,2′-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) chloride ([Ru(bpy)3]Cl2) was chosen as a fluorophore, and SnO2 and Ni:SnO2 additives were used to enhance the oxygen sensitivity of the dye. While preparing sensing agents as a form of thin film and nanofiber, dye and MOSs powders were immobilized into the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix in close proximity to each other. The oxygen-induced intensity measurements, decay time kinetics, and kinetic response were investigated for each of the sensing slides in the concentration range of 0–100% [O2]. Signal decreases in the emission-based intensity values of all MOSs-doped [Ru(bpy)3]2+-based complexes were monitored. Compared with free form, Ni:SnO2-doped [Ru(bpy)3]2+-based nanofiber agents exhibited a 4.03-fold increase in signal change (I0/I) ratio. The nanofiber structure, which allows the sensor slide to have a higher surface/volume ratio, allows O2 gas to penetrate more effectively. This can lead to greater interaction of the gas within the sensor matrix, resulting in more sensitive detection. Higher Stern Volmer (Ksv) values, greater O2 -induced sensing capabilities, more linear spectral measurements over larger concentration ranges, and faster response and recovery times show that MOSs-doped [Ru(bpy)3]2+-based sensing agents make promising candidates as oxygen probes.

The Influence of SnO2 and Noble Metals on the Properties of TiO2 for Environmental Sustainability

In order to find solutions to current worldwide environmental problems, it is crucial to develop sustainable nanomaterials, ideally with multifunctional properties. Considering this, novel TiO2-SnO2@NMs (noble metals: Au and Ag) composites, for use as sustainable nanomaterials, were successfully prepared via a two-step synthesis process consisting of laser pyrolysis followed by the chemical impregnation of the collected materials with noble metals. The addition of SnO2 favors the transformation of TiO2 from a mixture with a majority Anatase phase to one with a Rutile phase majority. With consideration for their level of environmental toxicity, the features of the synthesized nanomaterials were structurally, morphologically, and optically described and assessed for environmental protection applications as gas sensors and photocatalysts. In the case of the Surface Acoustic Wave sensor, based on a pure TiO2 nanopowder, a notable difference in the frequency shift was detected in comparison to the other examined sensors. All sensors responded to the CH4 concentrations tested (0.02–0.1%). On the other hand, when methyl orange was photodegraded under visible light, the results obtained using NMs for decoration revealed that the photocatalytic activity of TiO2-SnO2@NMs was significantly improved compared to the TiO2-SnO2 binary composite, which already has an enhanced photocatalytic activity, compared to pure TiO2. Overall, this work produces nanoparticles that exhibit better sensory and photocatalytic features, as well as higher levels of biocompatibility with skin cells, for use as eco-friendly nanomaterials for a sustainable future.

On the correlation between mechanical, optical, and magnetic properties of co-substituted Sn1-x-yZnxMyOz metal-oxide ceramics with M = Fe, Co, Ni, and Mn

We report here the FTIR, optical, and magnetic properties of Sn1-x-yZnxMyOz ceramics with various x, y, and M. The pure samples are called S1, S2, and S3 for ZnO, SnO2, and SnZn. The co-substituted samples are called S4, S5, S6, and S7 for SnZnFe, SnZnCo, SnZnNi, and SnZnMn, with Zn = 0.50, Sn = 0.25, and M = 0.25. The Young's modulus, was decreased from 5.70 (D/cm2) for S3 to 4.59, 3.14, 2.59, and 3.05 (D/cm2) for S4, S5, S6, and S7. The Eg was decreased from 2.13 eV for S3 to 2.16, 2,2, and 1.6 eV for S4, S5, S6, and S7. The pure samples (S1–S3) exhibit ferromagnetic behavior at 300 K, and combination of paramagnetic and ferromagnetic behaviors at 10K. In contrast, the samples (S4–S7) exhibit a combination of paramagnetic and ferromagnetic behaviours at both temperatures. The Curie temperature (Tc) obtained through zero-field cooling (ZFC) and field cooling (FC) is close to 300 K for S1–S3, S5, S6, 200 K for S4, and 20 K for S7. The real saturated magnetization (Ms) of the ZnO sample was decreased by the addition of SnO2, and then increased by the addition of Mn, Ni, Fe, and Co sequentially. Ms was increased from 12.31 (emu/g) for S3 at 300 to 16.24, 31.04, 27.27, and 10.49 (emu/g) for S4, S5, S6, and S7, and from 16 (emu/g) to 87, 730, 83, and 29 at 10 K. Remnant magnetization (Mr) decreases with the addition of SnO2 to ZnO and is not affected by the addition of TMs, just in the case of Co, where it increases. The coercive field decreases, but the switching field increases markedly with the addition of Mn and Ni, transforming the system from a hard magnetization to a soft magnetization system.

Evaluation of intelligent packaging functions of black carrot extract-infused polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the characteristic changes in polyvinyl alcohol-based nanofibers after being stored with black sea salmon fillets. For this purpose, electrospun nanofibers were produced as control (PVA), black carrot extract-incorporated (PVAB), and extract+SnO2 incorporated (PVASN), and their properties were compared. Morphological results showed the formation of regular ultrafine nanostructures, and differences between nanofiber samples were evaluated by measuring fiber diameters. Nanofiber sizes increased with the addition of black carrot and SnO2. Elemental analysis was performed to obtain information about the concentration in the nanofibers. Different O and Sn concentrations indicated that important constituents of anthocyanins and SnO2 were attached to the samples. The location of C, O, Sn atoms was determined by Energy Spectrum Analysis (EDS) color mapping, which confirmed the attachment of Sn in the PVASN sample. To elucidate the relationship between spoilage and the absorption of volatiles from smoked salmon fillets, nanofibers and fillets were kept together in a petri dish at room temperature. After being stored with salmon meat, the PVASN sample showed fewer entanglements without any defects. Upon exposure to volatiles, molecular structures changed, and water contact angle values decreased. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) results indicated the state of the polymer matrix and SnO2. Chemical bond interactions with released volatiles effected the peak parameters of nanofibers. 3D and 2D surface topographical images of PVASN were also compared before and after storage using a profilometer. This study's results showed that functionalized nanofibers with extract-SnO2 could be applied as an intelligent food packaging layer, providing valuable data about the potential usage of electrohydrodynamic processing.

Green Synthesis of Mixed ZnO-SnO2 Nanoparticles for Solar-Assisted Degradation of Synthetic Dyes

In this work, ZnO, SnO2, and their mixed ZnO-SnO2(25%) nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully green synthesized in a straightforward manner with a low-cost and environmentally friendly approach using a banana peel extract. The synthesized nanophotocatalysts were characterized using various techniques including FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis, TEM, SEM, BET, PL, EDS, and TGA. The characterization results showed that the ZnO and SnO2 powders were crystallized in a hexagonal wurtzite and rutile-type tetragonal structures, respectively, and their mixed ZnO-SnO2(25%) NPs contain both structures. Also, it was found that the addition of SnO2 into the ZnO structure reduces the PL intensity of the latter, confirming better separation of electron/hole pairs. The average particle size of a ZnO-SnO2(25%) NP photocatalyst was found to be 7.23 nm. The cationic dyes methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) as well as the anionic dyes naphthol blue black (NBB) and Coomassie brilliant blue R 250 (CBB) were employed as model dyes to assess the dye removal efficiencies of the biosynthesized nanophotocatalysts under sunlight. In all cases, the mixed ZnO-SnO2(25%) NP photocatalyst showed much better photocatalytic activity than individual photocatalysts. The degradation percent of dyes using ZnO-SnO2(25%) NPs ranged between 92.2% and 98%. The efficient photocatalytic activity of ZnO-SnO2(25%) NPs is attributed to the effective charge separation and reduced electron/hole recombination rate. The kinetic study results conformed to a pseudo first-order reaction rationalized in terms of the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Furthermore, the results showed that the ZnO-SnO2(25%) NP photocatalyst is highly stable and could be recycled several times without a noticeable reduction in its catalytic activity towards dye removal.

Atomic-level insights of enhanced interfacial charge transfer and active sites on self-assembly p-p heterostructure based on BiVO4/SnO2 for highly selective NO2 sensing

Even though there are several reports on gas detectors, the issue that remains unaddressed is selective sensing. In this work, a selective sensor is made by using well-ordered spherical shape BiVO4 and self-assembled p-p heterojunctions based on BiVO4/SnO2 nanocomposites. The self-assembly of SnO2 NPs on the defect sites of BiVO4 can easily be seen by the FESEM and HRTEM images. XPS spectrums indicate that the nanocomposite shows more active sites to adsorb gas molecules. The sensing characteristics of BiVO4/SnO2 as well as pristine BiVO4 and SnO2 reveal the p-type characteristics and confirm the formation of p-p heterojunctions. The sensing performance of the self-assembled BiVO4/SnO2 thin film gas sensor has been significantly improved by incorporating SnO2 and the sensor response of the self-assembled BiVO4/SnO2 is 1.98 which is much higher than pure BiVO4 and SnO2 and the lowest detection limit (LOD) was found as 7.8 ppb. Various configurations for the different heterostructures of BiVO4/SnO2 have been analyzed by using density functional theory and the results of p-p heterostructure are quite analogous with the experimental results. Enhancement in the number of active sites by the addition of SnO2 was also observed in the DFT interpretation.

Effects of SnO2 coupling on the structure and photocatalytic performance of TiO2/sepiolite composites

The use of titanium dioxide in the degradation of water pollutants encounters several challenges, including particle agglomeration leading to a reduction in its specific surface area and a high rate of photogenerated electron-hole recombination, resulting in a lower quantum efficiency. Therefore, in this work, we first employed sepiolite to load titanium dioxide, mitigating particle agglomeration. Building upon this, tin dioxide was coupled with it to enhance the photogenerated charge separation. The SnO2/TiO2/sepiolite photocatalytic composites were synthesized using the sol–gel method at 450 ℃. The resulting composites underwent thorough characterization encompassing phase composition, morphology, chemical valence states, specific surface area, optical properties, and photocatalytic activity. The outcomes demonstrate an augmentation in the specific surface area of TiO2/Sep composites following the sepiolite (Sep) loading. Among these, the TiO2/Sep composite (with a Sep: TiO2 mass ratio of 10 %) exhibited the most favorable photocatalytic performance, displaying a first-order reaction rate constant of 0.010 min−1, surpassing that of pure TiO2 by a factor of 2.0. The introduction of SnO2 expedited the migration of photogenerated charge across interfaces, curbing the recombination of photogenerated pairs, thus enhancing quantum efficiency. In light of the presence of sepiolite, the addition of SnO2 further amplified the photocatalytic performance. Optimal results were achieved when the molar ratio of SnO2:TiO2 was set at 1:4, leading to the highest photocatalytic efficiency observed in the SnO2/TiO2/Sep composite. This composite exhibited a first-order reaction rate constant of 0.027 min−1, marking a notable 2.7-fold increase compared to the TiO2/Sep counterpart. The investigation of band potentials, charge transfer pathways, and the photocatalytic mechanism within SnO2/TiO2/Sep composite materials was conducted through a comprehensive analysis involving electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) valence band spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectra (EPR) and active radical experiments.

Effect of ZrSnO4 solid solution on the crystallization behavior of Li2O–Al2O3–SiO2 glasses

AbstractHerein, the crystallization behavior of a Li2O–Al2O3–SiO2 (LAS) glass system with the addition of ZrO2 and SnO2 as nucleating agents was investigated using X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, four‐dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray absorption fine‐structure measurements. At lower heat‐treatment temperatures, the addition of ZrO2 and SnO2 afforded a ZrSnO4 solid solution (SS), whereas at higher heat‐treatment temperatures, the ZrSnO4 SS decomposed, affording tetragonal ZrO2 and tetragonal SnO2. LAS‐based crystalline phases, such as β‐quartz and β‐spodumene phases SS, were formed after the formation of the ZrSnO4 SS. ZrSnO4 SS particles a few nanometers in size were present in contact with the β‐quartz SS particles a few dozen nanometers in size. This suggests that the ZrSnO4 SS served as a crystal nucleus for the β‐quartz SS, promoting its growth.

Enhancing photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by mixed oxides TiO2/SnO2/CeO2 under visible light

This study focus on modification of TiO2 with a mixture of SnO2 and CeO2 that can actively degrade methylene blue as industrial dye under visible light. The synthesis of mixed oxides SnO2/CeO2/TiO2 was carried out by the precipitation method which included dissolving the reactants using HNO3 and re-precipitation with NaOH solution. The precipitate was then dried and calcined at 650 °C. The calcined products were characterized by XRD, DRUV, FTIR, SEM-EDX, TEM, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The addition of both SnO2 and CeO2 can decrease the bandgap of TiO2 and inhibit the recombination process. The results showed that the photodegradation of MB under visible light using mixed oxides SnO2/CeO2/TiO2 was higher than that of TiO2, SnO2, and CeO2. The preparation of mixed oxides SnO2/CeO2/TiO2 using Sn/Ce ratio of 1:1 showed the highest photodegradation of MB up to 87%. The optimum conditions for the photodegradation of 40 ppm of MB were obtained at pH 7, with 0.2 g of catalyst mass, and 120 min of reaction time. The photocatalytic mechanism of the SnO2/CeO2/TiO2 mixed oxides was obtained up to three runs without appreciable loss of activity and shows great potential to be an excellent candidate for environmental remediation.

Enhancements of critical current density in Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ superconductors by additions of SnO2 nanoparticles

The impact of adding SnO2 nanoparticles on the enhancements of critical current density (Jc) of the Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ superconductors was studied. Polycrystalline superconductors with stoichiometry of (Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ)1−x(SnO2)x where was x was ranged from 0.000, 0.002, 0.004, 0.006, 0.008 to 0.010 were made through traditional solid state reaction technique. X-ray diffraction data revealed that all fabricated samples consisted of Bi-2223 and Bi-2212 superconducting phases. The volume fraction of the Bi-2223 phase decreased with SnO2 addition. Analyses of textural structure using scanning electron microscopy data evidenced a clear decrease in grain orientation and porosity with increased doping levels. SnO2 presence in connection to Bi-2223 deceleration reduced the critical temperature. Values of Jc deduced from the magnetization hysteresis loops measured at different temperatures of 35 K, 45 K, 55 K, 65 K were found to enhance for the SnO2 added samples. In the x = 0.002 samples, the field dependent Jc achieved its maximum values. In order to have a deeper understanding in the improvements of flux pinning properties, small and large bundle fields were determined by using the collective pinning theory. The obtained values indicate the expansion of the two corresponding regimes with appropriate. By analyzing the dependence of normalized Jc versus normalized critical temperature, the dominant flux pinning mechanisms in all samples were consistent with δl pinning. Besides, the addition of SnO2 nanoparticles was likely to produce pinning centers in form of core point as evidenced by using the Dew–Hughes model.

Efficient ternary organic solar cells enabled by asymmetric nonfullerene electron acceptor with suppressed nonradiative recombination

The open-circuit voltage (Voc) of organic solar cells (OSCs) is still far from the Shockley-Queisser limit due to the large non-radiative voltage loss (ΔVocnonrad). Reducing energy loss (Eloss) to obtain higher Voc without sacrificing Jsc and FF is the key to achieve further improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of OSCs. In this work, we designed and synthesized a new asymmetric nonfullerene acceptor via a dual asymmetric strategy, named as SN-O. Under the synergistic effect of alkoxy chain and nitrogen atom substitution, the LUMO and HOMO energy levels of SN-O are significantly elevated compared to Y6, allowing SN-O to display a high open-circuit voltage with a reduced nonradiative energy loss (ΔEnonrad = 0.177 eV). The alkoxy side chain of SN-O brings an intramolecular conformational locking effect and the large dipole moment of asymmetric molecules facilitate the aggregation properties in thin films. The good miscibility allows Y6 and SN-O to form alloy acceptor attributing to the similar chemical structures. The addition of SN-O as the third component into the D18:Y6 system showed a significant reduction in the nonradiative energy loss and a favorable blend film morphology, thus improves exciton dissociation, charge transport and collection. Consequently, a high PCE of 18.3% was achieved for D18:Y6:SN-O ternary system with simultaneously enhancement of Voc, Jsc and FF, which is much higher than that of the binary devices.

Nanotextured CeO2−SnO2 Composite: Efficient Photocatalytic, Antibacterial, and Energy Storage Fibers

Bacterial infections remain a serious and pervasive threat to human health. Bacterial antibiotic resistance, in particular, lowers treatment efficacy and increases mortality. The development of nanomaterials has made it possible to address issues in the biomedical, energy storage, and environmental fields. This paper reports the successful synthesis of CeO2-SnO2 composite nanofibers via an electrospinning method using polyacrylonitrile polymer. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy assessments showed that the average diameter of CeO2-SnO2 nanofibers was 170 nm. The result of photocatalytic degradation for methylene blue dye displayed enhanced efficiency of the CeO2-SnO2 composite. The addition of SnO2 to CeO2 resulted in the enhancement of the light absorption property and enriched charge transmission of photoinduced electron-hole duos, which conspicuously contributed to momentous photoactivity augmentation. Composite nanofibers exhibited higher specific capacitance which may be accredited to the synergism between CeO2 and SnO2 particles in nanofibers. Furthermore, antibacterial activity was screened against Escherichia coli and CeO2-SnO2 composite nanofibers depicted excellent activity. The findings of this work point to new possibilities as an electrode material in energy storage systems and as a visible-light-active photocatalyst for the purification of chemical and biological contaminants, which would substantially benefit environmental remediation processes.

SnO2 coupled cobalt pyrite for Hg0 removal from simulated flue gas

SnO2 doped cobalt pyrite (CoS2/SnO2) adsorbent is facilely prepared using a molten salt method and used to capture Hg0 capture in simulated flue gas. Bare CoS2 and SnO2 display relatively lower Hg0 adsorption ability. SnO2 addition can evidently enhance the Hg0 capture ability of CoS2 likely owing to the synergetic effect between CoS2 and SnO2. NO and SO2 can negatively affect Hg0 capture processes due to competitive adsorption or side reaction. Co2+, S22-, Sn4+ ions serve as the major adsorption sites for elemental mercury capture over CoS2/SnO2. Chemisorbed oxygen may be participated in the mercury removale process.

Enhanced hydrogen adsorption properties of mesoporous nano-TiO2@SnO2

Today, hydrogen as being one of the most advantageous energy supplies for various applications and specifically not with carbon emissions, alluring strategies are made possible for its production and storage. Since the metal oxides (MOs) semiconductors give rise to the development of new technologies related to renewable energy and environmental issues, this work is envisioned to study the hydrogen adsorption properties of TiO2@SnO2 catalyst synthesized via novel approach by integrating sol–gel and thermal decomposition methods. The synthesized TiO2 and its composite have been analyzed by sophisticated instruments to reveal the drastic enhancement of hydrogen adsorption. In this work, hydrogen measurements were accomplished by quartz crystal (QC) microbalance method. The Raman scattering experiment of the composite revealed the lower peak intensity compared with pure TiO2, which demonstrated the surface defects that created oxygen vacancies with reduced oxidation states of the metal centers. Meanwhile, the mesoporous nanostructure of TiO2@SnO2 could be confirmed via High resolution transmission electron (HR-TEM) microscopic analysis. Besides, the intermediate states of the composite were analyzed through Photoluminescence (PL) spectra which demonstrated the delay in recombining charges. The Barrett-Joyner- Halenda (BJH) method illustrated the larger pore size and pore volume with decreased surface area of the composite. The addition of SnO2 into TiO2 has reported 4 times greater the adsorption of pristine TiO2 particles, because of the capacity of SnO2 to hinder pores. Moreover, the titania oxidation states play a predominant role in the procurement of larger H2 adsorption. Also, the Ti4+ and Sn4+ reveal fragile Kubas type of adsorption that facilitated the hydrogen storage.

Investigating the structural, optical, and photocatalytic activity of TiO2/SnO2 nanocomposites synthesized by the facile sol-gel technique for dye degradation

The photocatalytic degradation of dyes using semiconducting metal oxides has received a lot of interest recently. In this work, TiO2, SnO2, and TiO2/SnO2 nanocomposites with different SnO2 contents were synthesized via the facile and cost-effective sol-gel method and fully characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis indicated that the crystallite size reduced remarkably and the transformation of anatase to rutile phase accelerated significantly with increasing the SnO2 content. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the XRD results. Electron microscope images revealed that the TiO2/SnO2 composites have composed of semi-spherical fused particles, where increasing the SnO2 content causes the reduction of the particles’ size. The addition of SnO2 caused the photoluminescence (PL) intensity reduction due to the easy migration of photoelectrons from the TiO2 to the SnO2 conduction band, leading to a decrease in the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Catalytic activity was tested by methylene blue under 360 nm ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Intrinsic TiO2 showed better photocatalytic activity than pure SnO2, but the color degradation was still less than 50% after 90 min. UV irradiation. Increasing the SnO2 content in the TiO2 produced nanocomposites with higher color degradation rates of about 73% after 90 min. UV irradiation, suggesting the binary metal oxide TiO2/SnO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst as a promising candidate for effluent dye removal.