Engineered SnS2 based Nanostructures A Sustainable Approach for Photocatalytic Degradation of Water Pollutants and Biodiesel Production

Abstract

Growing urbanization, population expansion, and rapid industrialization have led to extensive exploitation of natural resources. Today, the world is facing a vast shortage of drinking water, and the reserves of non-renewable energy sources are being depleted exponentially. Thus, the availability of clean drinking water and the need to fulfil the growing energy demands are two major problems faced by scientists around the globe. More emphasis has been laid on nanomaterials as they possess higher surface area, high photocatalytic activity and size-dependent physicochemical properties, making them potential heterogeneous photocatalysts for wastewater remediation and biodiesel production. Crucially, developing cost-effective and environmentally benign synthetic techniques is critical for producing improved nanostructures capable of serving as efficient photocatalysts for environmental cleanup and biofuel production. This thesis examines the potential of Tin disulphide (SnS2)-based nanocomposites for energy and environmental applications. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized using sophisticated analytical techniques to evaluate morphologies, phase structures, physical properties, and surface chemical compositions. The applicability of these engineered nanostructures has been investigated as photocatalysts and integrated photocatalytic adsorbents for environmental remediation and energy production. The results have demonstrated the tremendous potential of SnS2 and its nanocomposite as photocatalysts for water remediation and biodiesel production. This research adopts an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating materials science, chemistry, and environmental engineering principles.