Photocatalytic degradation of brilliant blue dye in simulated water using SnS nanoparticles under visible light

In this study, Tin sulphide (SnS) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized as a single-source precursor using organotin(VI) dithiocarbamate at 120 °C for photocatalytic degradation of brilliant blue dye (BBD). The transformation of the organotin(VI) dithiocarbamate to SnS nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Orthorhombic phase SnS nanoparticles with a crystalline spherical shape were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Elemental analysis via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) corroborated the stoichiometric composition of Au, S and Sn in the synthesized nanoparticles. Optical absorption spectroscopy revealed a progressive absorption edge corresponding to a band gap energy of 1.85 eV. The performance of these nanoparticles as photocatalysts in the degradation of (BBD) under visible light irradiation for 2 h was investigated, varying solution pH, catalyst dosage, and initial dye concentration. Results revealed that the removal of BBD increased with an increase in catalyst dosage, with an optimal degradation percentage of 85%. BBD degradation experimental data followed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetics equation. Hence, this study suggests the robustness and stability of the SnS nanoparticles, making them viable for reuse.