Enhanced photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide and tin doped zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by direct injection flame synthesis

AbstractPristine zinc oxide and tin doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared using single step rapid direct injection flame synthesis (DIFS) method and compared. The results revealed prominent changes in morphological and optical properties due to the incorporation of Sn ions into ZnO matrix and its origin was discussed. Upon doping the ZnO nanoparticles experiences change in length along the c- axis which increases the volume of the unit cell and bond length of zinc and oxygen ions. Other than that, tin doping in ZnO introduces new intrinsic defect level which decreases the electron hole recombination rate at the interface and enhances the formation of hydroxyl radicals and superoxide which further improves the photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue (93%) compared to pure ZnO (81%).Keywords: XRDZnOSn:ZnOflame synthesis (DIFS)photocatalysis Authors’ contributionsAll authors contributed to the study conception and application. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by [P.Sivarama Prabhu], [P.Kathirvel], [D. Maruthamani] and [S.D. Gopal Ram]. The first draft of the manuscript was written by [P.Sivarama Prabhu] and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.Consent formThis manuscript has not been published previously and it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere, its publication is approved by all authors and if accepted, it will not be published elsewhere in the same form, in English or in any other language, including electronically without the written consent of the copyright holder.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).