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

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.

     

A Novel Visible Light-Driven p-Type BiFeO3/n-Type SnS2 Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Efficient Charge Separation and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

This present investigation focused on novel p-type bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃)/n-type tin sulfide (SnS₂) heterostructure photocatalyst has been favorably attained via a facile two-step process followed by co-precipitation approach for enhances the photocatalytic activity through the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) organic dyes under visible-light illumination. Structural, optical, and photocatalytic behavior of the prepared BiFeO₃ and BiFeO₃/SnS₂ photocatalysts are carefully explored. The photocatalytic efficiency of BiFeO₃/SnS₂ nanocatalyst was calculated to be 83%, 78% for MB and RhB, respectively, within 120 min illumination whereas the pure BiFeO₃ nanoparticle was 58% and 56% for MB and RhB. This prominent enhancement of visible light photocatalytic activity can be ascribed to the separation as well as the transfer of photogenerated charge carriers, successful exploitation of visible light absorption and donates the enlarged number of photocatalytic active sites by the formation of BiFeO₃/SnS₂ p-n heterojunction.