Discipline: Nanoscience or Materials Science
Subcategory: Materials Science
Session: 4
Room: Forum
Fabio M Santiago Giraldo - University of Puerto Rico at Ponce
Co-Author(s): Alondra A. Lugo Ruiz, University of Puerto Rico at Ponce, Ponce, PR; Sonia J. Bailon Ruiz, University of Puerto Rico at Ponce, Ponce, PR.
Tin oxide (SnO2) nanomaterials are n-type semiconductors and non-toxic materials with potential photocatalytic properties since they exhibit a large surface area. This research aims to produce SnO2 nanomaterials in an aqueous phase, study their spectroscopic properties using characterization techniques as UV–Vis and photoluminescence techniques, and determine the best synthesis conditions to generate SnO2 with photocatalytic properties. Tin oxide nanostructures were made in the presence of tin chloride (SnCl2), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) at reaction times of 3, 6, and 9 h. The photoluminescence study evidenced a weak peak at 400 nm when particles were excited at a wavelength of 280 nm. UV–Vis analysis denoted a red-shift when the reaction time was increased from 3 h to 9 h. SnO2 nanomaterials synthesized at longer reaction times (9 h) evidenced lower percentages of oxygen in their composition, suggesting oxygen vacancies and potential catalytic activity. Future research will be addressed to evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency of tin oxide nanostructures to degrade organic contaminants in water.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): PR-LSAMP and insititutional funds from the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce
Faculty Advisor: Prof. Sonia J. Bailon Ruiz, sonia.bailon@upr.edu
Role: Worked in the whole process, during the synthesis of nanomaterials, characterization and revising literature to look for proof of photocatalytic activity