Synergistic Performance of ZnO/SnO2 Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Photocatalysis and Superoxide Radical Scavenger

Abstract

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of ZnO/SnO₂ nanocomposite (ZnO/SnO₂ NC), focusing on their photocatalytic and antioxidant properties. The sol-gel technique was utilized for the synthesis of the ZnO/SnO₂ NC. Subsequent characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. The XRD analysis indicated crystallite dimensions of 15 nm for ZnO/SnO₂ and 21 nm for pure ZnO NPs. The photocatalytic efficiency was assessed by the degradation of Toluidine Blue (TB) and m-Toluidine Blue (m-TB) dyes. The ZnO/SnO₂ NC demonstrated degradation rates of 99% for both TB and m-TB within 120 and 140 min of sunlight exposure, respectively. Furthermore, the scavenging activity of superoxide radicals was evaluated, with the ZnO/SnO₂ NC exhibiting an Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 48.12 µg∙mL^− 1, compared to 60.03 µg∙mL^− 1 for pure ZnO. This research highlights the potential of ZnO/SnO₂ NC in environmental remediation and biomedical applications.