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 low-price, 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 dye-polluted water.