Biocatalyst coupling with Mo-doped SnO 2 nanoparticles for efficient photocatalytic dye degradation: An eco-friendly approach for environmental remediation

Specifically, biocatalyst coupled semiconductor photocatalysts have great potential towards the eco-friendly decomposition of toxic organic dyes that contaminate water bodies. This study reports the synthesis of vermiwash activated molybdenum doped tin oxide (Mo:SnO2) nanomaterial, for the photocatalytic degradation of a representative cationic dye - methylene blue (MB). The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated using UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and the degrading efficiency of MB dye was quantified. The addition of vermiwash resulted in a marked improvement in the photocatalytic activity of Mo:SnO2 nanoparticles, with a degradation efficiency of 96% achieved after 75 min of irradiation. The nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, FTIR, XPS and UV-vis to confirm the crystal structure, morphology, functional groups, elemental analysis and bandgap energy by using Tauc's plot. The study demonstrates the potential of vermiwash as a green and efficient bio co-catalyst for improving the photocatalytic activity of Mo:SnO2 nanoparticles regarding the degradation of textile effluents. Thus, this study paves a way for new eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of cost-effective, biocatalyst coupled semiconductor photocatalyst.