Specially designed B4C/SnO2 nanocomposite for photocatalysis: traditional ceramic with unique properties

Boron carbide: A traditional ceramic material shows unique properties when explored in nano-range. Specially designed boron based nanocomposite has been synthesized by reflux method. The addition of SnO2 in base matrix increase the defect states in boron carbide and shows unique catalytic properties. The calculated texture coefficient and Nelson Riley factor shows that the synthesized nanocomposite have very high defect states. Also this composite is explored for the first time for catalysis degradation of industrial used dyes. The industrial pollutants such as Novacron red and methylene blue dye degradation analysis reveal that the composite is an efficient catalyst. Degradation study shows that 1 g/L catalyst concentration of B4C/SnO2 degrade Novacron red Huntsman dye upto 97.38% approximately in 20 minutes under sunlight irradiation time. This water insoluble catalyst can be recovered and reused.