Highly-reusable photocatalyst from chromolaena odorata leaves

This research reports the preparation of tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) via biosynthesis technique using leaves extract of Chromolaena odorata (C. odorata). With this technique, pure SnO2 NPs was obtained in lowprice, repeatable, safe, non-toxic and easy handling compared to the conventional methods, which are hazardous and expensive. The XRD analysis produced a pure tetragonal structure and crystalline nature of SnO2 NPs. FTIR analysis later supported the purity, proving the Sn-O-Sn bonding at region 604 cm-1 . FESEM showed a spherical shape of SnO2 NPs and the EDX analysis evidenced the presence of Sn and O elements. HRTEM-SAED disclosed the interplanar spacing (d-spacing) of the atomic arrangement as 0.126 nm, while diffraction rings of (110), (101) and (211) planes confirmed its tetragonal structure. Kubelka-Munk equation translated 57% of the reflectance value resulted from UV-DRS to denote a band gap of 3.12 eV. Later, SnO2 NPs was tested for water remediation process, namely photocatalytic using methylene blue (MB), indicating a degradation rate of about 97% within 70 minutes and most notably its reusability proved to have five consecutive cycles. Having these results, the utilization of C. odorata leaves extract in assisting biosynthesis of SnO2 NPs was developed and capable for the treatment of dyepolluted water.