Sn-doped Bi2WO6 for degradation of nitrophenol, Cr (VI) reduction and biomedical applications

Backgrounds

Metal oxide (Bi₂WO₆) plays crucial role as a photocatalyst in environmental remediation. The photocatalytic performance of Bi₂WO₆ can be enhanced by Sn doping. The bare Bi₂WO₆ and doped samples can be used for dye degradation, chromium reduction as well as for biomedical application.

Methods

In present study, we prepared bare Bi₂WO₆ and series of tin doped Bi₂WO₆ samples with varying tin content (0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 mol%) via solid-state route. Prepared samples were characterized to examine the physico-chemical and optical properties of samples using different analytical techniques. Photocatalytic activity of all the samples were investigated for degradation of nitrophenol along with reduction of toxic Cr (VI) into the harmless Cr (III) form. The most active photocatalyst BSW-30 sample was applied for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Significant findings

Among all these 0.30% Sn doped sample (BSW-30) show superior photocatalytic performance. Doped Sn in Bi₂WO₆ obstructs recombination of electrons and holes, increasing the photocatalytic efficiency. These findings highlight the versatile role of the prepared samples as efficient catalysts for environmental remediation and biomedical applications. The rate and mechanism associated with photodegradation were analyzed by performing kinetics experiment. The reusability study confirmed that photocatalytic activity remained high after 3 cycles.