Ethylene glycol mediated synthesis of Ag8SnS6 nanoparticles and their exploitation in the degradation of eosin yellow and brilliant green

Abstract

Ag₈SnS₆ (silver tin sulfide) nanoparticles (17–18 nm) were synthesized using a chemical coprecipitation method using ethylene glycol as a solvent and capping agent and thiourea as a sulfur source at a temperature of 160 °C, 6 h. The as synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The optical properties were investigated by using UV-visible NIR spectroscopy. The XRD pattern shows the formation of single phase Ag₈SnS₆ with a rhombohedral structure. Ethylene glycol mediated synthesis resulted in the formation of spherical Ag₈SnS₆ nanoparticles as seen from TEM images. Diffuse reflectance spectra show that Ag₈SnS₆ possesses an absorption profile across the whole visible-light and near-infrared region. Ag₈SnS₆ exhibits a band gap energy 1.12 eV. Ag₈SnS₆ shows powerful visible light photodegradation activity towards the degradation of eosin yellow and brilliant green dyes. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of Ag₈SnS₆ particles is attributed to its improved visible light absorption and efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Studies with different quenchers suggest that superoxide radicals play a major role in the photodegradation process.