Recent Progress in the Use of SnO2 Quantum Dots: From Synthesis to Photocatalytic Applications.

What is it about?

This review article provides current developments in SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) as effective catalysts over the last five years. SnO2 QDs are exceptional prospects for catalytic applications because of their high surface area, compact size, and tunable optical features. SnO2 QDs have recently made strides in their production and functionalization, which has enabled successful use of them as photocatalytic catalysts. The basic concepts of SnO2 QDs, including their electrical and optical characteristics, are described in this review paper, along with the most current findings on their production and functionalization. Additionally, it covers the fundamental mechanisms that support SnO2 QDs’ catalytic activity and emphasizes the difficulties involved in using them as catalysts. Lastly, it offers a forecast for the direction of research in this quickly evolving topic. Overall, our analysis demonstrates SnO2 QDs’ potential as a successful and cutting-edge catalytic system in recent years.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Water pollution is a major issue for modern society, caused by the discharge of untreated waste into water sources [1]. This contamination can cause health problems, ecological damage, and economic losses. Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor crystals with sizes ranging from 1 to 10 nanometers in diameter. Owing to their small size and distinctive physical and chemical characteristics, QDs are appealing for a variety of applications [2]. Several materials, including semiconductor, metal, and carbon QDs, can be used to create QDs. Because of their remarkable optical and electrical capabilities, semiconductor QDs have been the subject of most research [3]. For example, II–VI and III–V compounds with high quantum yield, narrow emission spectra, and high charge carrier mobility, such as CdSe, CdTe, InP, and GaAs, have received a great deal of attention [4]. Due to their distinctive qualities and possible uses, metal oxide QDs, such as SnO2, TiO2, and ZnO, have also received a lot of attention [5]. The huge surface area of metal oxide QDs, which enables effective catalytic reactions, is one of their key advantages. SnO2 QDs, in particular, have a number of distinctive qualities that set them apart from other QD kinds. First off, SnO2 is an environmentally beneficial substitute for other harmful or expensive materials because it is a substance that is readily available on Earth and is not toxic [6]. Second, SnO2 QDs are promising candidates for a variety of applications, including photocatalysis, sensing, and energy conversion, thanks to their superior optical and electrical characteristics, which include a high surface area, strong stability, and a broad bandgap [7]. Furthermore, SnO2 QDs have demonstrated strong catalytic activity in the oxidation of organic contaminants and the water-splitting process that produces hydrogen [8]. This is a result of their special electrical characteristics, which enable effective charge separation and transfer. These characteristics include high electron mobility and an appropriate conduction band location [9]. SnO2 QDs’ tiny size and the large surface area also make more active sites for catalytic reactions possible, improving the efficiency of such reactions. Many techniques for regulating SnO2 QDs’ size, shape, and surface properties have been developed as a result of in-depth research into their synthesis and functionalization [10].

Perspectives