Synthesis of Fe2O3@SnO2 Core‐shell Nanocomposites via Thermal Decomposition Route and their Application as an Adsorbent

Abstract

AbstractIn the current study, a thermal decomposition approach has been used to synthesize Fe2O3@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposites in which Fe2O3 microsphere is the core and SnO2 is the shell. The thickness of shell (SnO2) is altered by varying amount of tin chloride pentahydrate (precursor of SnO2). Various characterization techniques were used to prove successful formation of Fe2O3@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposites. XRD results confirm the presence of SnO2, α‐Fe2O3, and Fe3O4 in the calcined Fe2O3@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposites. FE‐SEM and TEM studies reveal uniform deposition of SnO2 nanoparticles over the iron oxide microspheres. XPS analysis demonstrates the presence of Sn4+, Fe2+, Fe3+, and O2− in the Fe2O3@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposites. Optical studies show that the Fe2O3@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposites absorb in UV and visible regions. M−H studies on Fe2O3@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposites indicate weak ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic behaviour of the nanocomposites at 5 K and 300 K, respectively. From M−T measurements, pure α‐Fe2O3 shows characteristic Morin transition (Tm), but the Fe2O3@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposites do not show such transition. The Fe2O3@SnO2 core‐shell nanocomposites were explored as adsorbent for the removal of congo red (CR) from an aqueous solution.