Light-Driven Catalytic Activity of Green-Synthesized SnO(2)/WO(3–x) Hetero-nanostructures

[Image: see text] This work reports an environmentally friendly and economically feasible green synthesis of monometallic oxides (SnO(2) and WO(3)) and their corresponding mixed metal oxide (SnO(2)/WO(3–x)) nanostructures from the aqueous Psidium guajava leaf extract for light-driven catalytic degradation of a major industrial contaminant, methylene blue (MB). P. guajava is a rich source of polyphenols that acts as a bio-reductant as well as a capping agent in the synthesis of nanostructures. The chemical composition and redox behavior of the green extract were investigated by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. Results acquired by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirm the successful formation of crystalline monometallic oxides (SnO(2) and WO(3)) and bimetallic SnO(2)/WO(3–x) hetero-nanostructures capped with polyphenols. The structural and morphological aspects of the synthesized nanostructures were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized monometallic and hetero-nanostructures was investigated for the degradation of MB dye under UV light irradiation. Results indicate a higher photocatalytic degradation efficiency for mixed metal oxide nanostructures (93.5%) as compared to pristine monometallic oxides SnO(2) (35.7%) and WO(3) (74.5%). The hetero-metal oxide nanostructures prove to be better photocatalysts with reusability up to 3 cycles without any loss in degradation efficiency or stability. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency is attributed to a synergistic effect in the hetero-nanostructures, efficient charge transportation, extended light absorption, and increased adsorption of dye due to the enlarged specific surface area.