Efficient photocatalytic degradation of industrial dyes using SnWO4 for wastewater treatment

Abstract

This work described an in-depth comparative study of photocatalytic potential of Tin Tungsten oxide that synthesized by sol-gel and hydrothermal methods for degrading dyes from water, hydrogen production, and investigating the differences in their properties by applying advanced characterizing techniques. XRD confirmed the crystal structures, SEM described their morphologies, FT-IR and UV-Vis showed the existence of SnWO₄ functional bonding and optical properties. Optical absorption capabilities, surface area, and carrier mobility effect the photocatalytic activities and water splitting. SnWO₄-SG showed good results during water splitting and hydrogen production and SnWO₄-SG method often yields materials with higher crystallinity and fewer defects, facilitating improved charge carrier mobility crucial for photocatalytic applications. Surface properties are also positively influenced, as sol-gel process modified surface hydroxyl groups and active sites, enhancing reactant adsorption and promoting better electron-hole separation. Over five consecutive cycles, SnWO₄ showed above 90 % efficiency of degradation.