Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of nanoflakes like β-SnWO4 nanoparticles towards Li-ion battery and dopamine sensing applications
摘要
In this study, phase-pure β-SnWO4 nanoparticles were synthesized rapidly and efficiently via a microwave-assisted method using SnCl2 and H2WO4 as precursors and urea as a fuel. Structural and morphological characterizations, including XRD, SEM, and HR-TEM, confirmed the formation of highly crystalline, mesoporous β-SnWO4 nanoflakes with an average crystallite size of approximately 25 nm and a specific surface area of 11.67 m2 g−1. Electrochemical investigations revealed that β-SnWO4 electrodes delivered a high initial reversible discharge capacity of 1024 mAh g−1 and maintained 553 mAh g−1 at 0.1C after 50 cycles, with excellent rate capability and cycling stability. The material also retained 65 mAh g−1 at a high current rate of 1C after 500 cycles, indicating robust reversibility. Beyond energy storage, β-SnWO4 nanoparticles demonstrated multifunctional properties, including sensitive and stable electrochemical detection of dopamine with LOD of 11.79 μM, high humidity sensing response (91%) with fast response/recovery times and low hysteresis, and efficient photocatalytic degradation of both anionic (Evance Blue, Rose Bengal) and cationic (Methylene Blue, Rhodamine B) dyes under visible light irradiation. These results highlight the versatility and promise of β-SnWO4 nanoparticles for advanced applications in energy storage, environmental monitoring, chemical sensing, and wastewater treatment, while also demonstrating the advantages of the rapid, scalable, and eco-friendly microwave synthesis approach.