Photocatalytic conversion of 4-nitroaniline to p-phenylenediamine using Ni/ZnSn(OH)6 nanoparticles

ZnSn(OH)6 nanoparticles were prepared using a hydrothermal method, and Ni was immobilised onto the surface of the ZnSn(OH)6 nanoparticles via a photo-assisted deposition (PAD) method. The samples produced were characterised using different techniques. The catalytic performances of the ZnSn(OH)6 and Ni/ZnSn(OH)6 samples were examined in the photoreduction of 4-nitroaniline to aniline under visible light. The UV–vis spectral analysis detected a red shift after loading the Ni onto the ZnSn(OH)6. The maximum photocatalytic reduction efficiency of 4-nitroaniline that was achieved was 100% after 60 min of reaction time with 0.3 Ni/ZnSn(OH)6 as the photocatalyst.