Synergistic photocatalytic activity of SnO2/PANI nanocomposite for the removal of direct blue 15 under UV light irradiation

For the photocatalytic degradation of Direct Blue 15 (DB15), tin oxide/polyaniline (SnO2/PANI) nanocomposites were prepared using the co-precipitation process. SEM, FTIR, XRD, and UV–Vis analysis were used to characterize the as-prepared SnO2/PANI nanocomposites. The XRD pattern confirms the presence of SnO2 reflection planes in both bare and SnO2/PANI. The changes in planes of SnO2 are owing to the incorporation of PANI in the SnO2. The metal oxide and the hydroxyl group of SnO2 are altered slightly with the substitution of PANI. The inclusion of PANI in SnO2 reduces the crystallite size and increases surface area compared to bare SnO2 nanoparticles. The reflectance and bandgap energy (3.1–2.7 eV) of the SnO2 decreased after the substitution of PANI. The photocatalytic dye removal efficiency of the SnO2/PANI nanocomposite was significantly improved compared to bare SnO2. The photocatalytic mechanism of SnO2/PANI nanocomposites for the degradation of DB15 is systematically explained, as well as the synergetic effect of SnO2/PANI nanocomposites. Toxicity of treated DB15 prompts a lesser impact on Artemia salina than untreated DB15. This experiment clarified that SnO2/PANI nanocomposites produced non-toxic by-products and they are lesser toxic to aquatic food web components.