Synthesis of SnO₂ quantum dots mediated by Camellia sinensis shoots for degradation of thiamethoxam

Abstract

A novel method of synthesis of tin dioxide quantum dots employing Camellia sinensis shoots as reducing agent and stabilizer is presented. The quantum dots were characterized by UV spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The crystalline tin dioxide quantum dots with an average size of 4.3 nm were of flake like morphology capped by phenolic compounds of Camellia sinensis. The quantum dots were employed for the photocatalytic degradation of thiamethoxam resulting in 57% degradation within 45 mins.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Camellia sinensis
• degradation
• photocatalyst
• SnO₂ Quantum dots (QDs)
• thiamethoxam (THIA)

Acknowledgement

The authors of this study acknowledge Sr. Advisory Officer and Sr. Technical Officer of Tocklai, Tea Research Institute, Cachar for their support to carry out the study conducted here. Our special thanks go to SAIF Gauhati University, SAIF IIT Bombay, STIC Kerala and SAIF Panjab University for providing us with the analytical data.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing the paper.