Stannic oxide nanoparticles: sono-synthesis using seed extract of Ziziphus zizyphus and its photocatalytic activity

Methylene blue (MB) has become one of the most significant water contaminants. This pollutant is prevalent in both groundwater sources. It would irreversibly endanger human and marine life. Nanotechnology plays a vital function in the degradation of such pollutants. To meet today’s requisite, we have chosen to tackle environmentally friendly nanoparticle synthesis and applications by combining essential fields such as biotechnology, chemistry, and environmental science. In this paper, we have investigated the role of Ziziphus mauritiana seed extract (ZMS) to produce stannic oxide nanoparticles (SONPs) for dye degradation. The SONPs were illustrated by X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results indicate that the SONPs photocatalyst yield was the highest in 1mM of the precursor, stannous chloride, and 100 mL of ZMS extract as the reducing agent via ultrasonication power of 400 W and a frequency of 20 kHz. The SONPs have a spherical morphology and are approximately 20 nm in size. To evaluate the relationships between the catalyst concentration, degradation efficiencies, and irradiation time response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box–Behnken design. The results displayed that the ZMS extract acted as capping and stabilizing agents for the fabrication of nanoparticles. The prediction and experimental results of the RSM indicate that, when the reaction time was 50 min, the photocatalyst dosage was 1 mg/L and the optimal degradation rate of the MBE was 100%. The photocatalytic performance of SONPs showed good degradation efficiency against the chemical dye MB.