Specially designed B4C/SnO2 nanocomposite for photocatalysis: traditional ceramic with unique properties

TL;DR

This study synthesizes a B4C/SnO2 nanocomposite with high defect states, demonstrating its effective catalytic ability to degrade industrial dyes under sunlight, offering a reusable solution for water purification.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel B4C/SnO2 nanocomposite synthesized via reflux method, showing enhanced defect states and catalytic efficiency for dye degradation.

Findings

Achieved 97.38% degradation of Novacron red dye in 20 minutes

Demonstrated the catalyst's reusability and water insolubility

Confirmed high defect states through texture coefficient and Nelson Riley analysis

Abstract

Boron carbide: A traditional ceramic material shows unique properties when explored in nano-range. Specially designed boron based nanocomposite has been synthesized by reflux method. The addition of SnO2 in base matrix increase the defect states in boron carbide and shows unique catalytic properties. The calculated texture coefficient and Nelson Riley factor shows that the synthesized nanocomposite have very high defect states. Also this composite is explored for the first time for catalysis degradation of industrial used dyes. The industrial pollutants such as Novacron red and methylene blue dye degradation analysis reveal that the composite is an efficient catalyst. Degradation study shows that 1 g/L catalyst concentration of B4C/SnO2 degrade Novacron red Huntsman dye upto 97.38% approximately in 20 minutes under sunlight irradiation time. This water insoluble catalyst can be recovered and reused.