Synthesis and application of Tin Ferrite (SnFe2O4) as photocatalyst for the degradation of Ochratoxin A(OTA) in aqueous solution

Abstract

Ochratoxin A (OTA), one of the frequently detected mycotoxins in food and other environmental matrices, requires sequestration to enhance the environment and human health. This preliminary study emphasizes the screening of photocatalysts for the degradation of OTA in an aqueous environment via the preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of SnFe2O4 material. SnFe2O4 was synthesized through the co-precipitation process, and surface and structural characteristics were carried out via Scanning Electron Microscopy connected Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Electron Mapping, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometric analysis. SEM analysis indicates a uniform agglomeration of tiny particles that develop into an octahedral structure, representing the morphological formation of SnO. FTIR analysis further confirmed the availability of functional groups Fe-O, Sn-O, and O-Sn-O at 400-500 cm-1, 590 cm-1, and 1194 cm−1on the surface of the SnFe2O4 photocatalyst’s spectrum. EDX gave insight into the elemental composition, confirming the availability of Fe, Sn, and O with varying percentage weight (wt. %) of 33.7, 32.9, 29.9, and 3.2, respectively, in the synthesized photocatalyst. At the same time, electron mapping also showed their distribution contained in the Sn ferrite for regularity towards achieving better photocatalytic activity. Sequestration study towards degradation of OTA in aqueous solution attained 100 % removal in the dark after about 40 min. However, a haphazard removal pattern was observed during the study under irradiation under simulated visible light. This study indicates the potential of SnFe2O4 proficient material for the removal of OTA in an aqueous environment, providing an environmentally friendly technique towards the detoxification of mycotoxin-water.