Enhanced photocatalytic properties of Sn-doped ZnO nanoparticles by flame spray pyrolysis under UV light irradiation

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is widely used in different areas thanks to its unique photocatalytic, optic and electrical properties. Sn doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized through flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) technique. The Sn dopant concentrations were 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 at. % in produced ZnO nanoparticles. The structural analysis of the produced powders was performed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) methods. The surface morphology and particle size distribution of the nanoparticles were identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. In addition to this, produced photocatalysts were evaluated for degradation of aqueous methylene blue (MB) solutions under UV light irradiation. Sn-doped nanoparticles have superior photocatalytic activity compared to un-doped ZnO.