Sn loaded Au–ZnO photocatalyst for the degradation of AR 18 dye under UV-A light

•Sn–Au–ZnO was successfully synthesized by precipitation–decomposition method.•TEM images show the presence of hexagonal structure of ZnO.•The catalyst is found to be reusable.

Sn–Au–ZnO was successfully synthesized by precipitation–decomposition method. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, TEM, DRS, PL, XPS, TGA, DTA and BET surface area measurements. Sn–Au–ZnO is found to be more efficient than bare ZnO and other commercial catalysts at pH 11 for the mineralization of AR 18 dye under UV-A light. The effects of operational parameters on photo mineralization of AR 18 dye have been investigated. The mineralization of dye has been confirmed by COD measurements. A possible mechanism is proposed for the degradation of AR 18 under UV-A light. The catalyst is found to be reusable.

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