Enhanced Solar Photocatalysis: Vapor Pressure Synthesis of Ni-Doped SnO2 Nanoparticles for Efficient Organic Dye Degradation

Abstract

In this study, pure and Ni-doped SnO₂ (Ni@SnO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized using the vapor pressure approach, with Ni concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 0.06 M. The synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques. Structural properties were examined through XRD, FTIR, and XPS analyses, whereas morphological features were investigated using SEM and HRTEM. The band structure and optical properties were analyzed via UV–vis and PL spectroscopy. Photocatalytic (PC) activity was assessed by evaluating the degradation efficiency of Alizarin Red S (ARS), brilliant green (BG), and methyl orange (MO) dyes under solar irradiation. Compared to pure SnO₂, Ni@SnO₂ NPs exhibited significantly enhanced degradation efficiency, achieving up to 94%. The PC rate constant of Ni@SnO₂ NPs was notably higher than that of pure SnO₂. Moreover, Ni@SnO₂ NPs demonstrated exceptional stability in cycling degradation tests, retaining 93% BG degradation efficiency even after 5 cycles.

These findings highlight the potential of Ni-doped SnO₂ NPs as highly efficient and stable photocatalysts for the effective degradation of organic pollutants, offering a promising solution for environmental remediation.