Assessment of Thermodynamic Properties of SrSnO3 Perovskite for Enhanced Photocatalytic Applications

Textile wastewater contains hazardous dyes, chemicals, and heavy metals that threaten ecosystems. Perovskites, known for their strong photocatalytic and adsorption capabilities, present an innovative approach to breaking down pollutants and removing toxic substances effectively. Our research studies comprised the low-cost co-precipitation synthesis and modification of Sr_1 − xMn_xSnO₃ (x = 0, 0.4, and 0.6) perovskite, with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) for enhanced photocatalytic activity. The decrease in lattice constants calculated by X-ray diffraction data suggests that the manganese (Mn), doping distorts the strontium stannate, lattice. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron micrographs, show a stoichiometric distribution of elements and a uniform morphology which are crucial to efficient photocatalytic properties. Mn doping has been proven to decrease the band gap from 3.54 to 2.7 eV, which makes the material more efficient for visible light absorption by creating extra electronic states in the band structure of SrSnO₃. These extra states may overlap and interact with previously defined valance and conduction bands, shrinking the bandgap. Hence, Sr_0.4Mn_0.6SnO₃-CTAB proved an efficient visible light active photocatalyst to show degradation efficiency of 93% against anionic methyl orange dye.

Graphical Abstract