In this paper, for the first time, SnO2-bentonite nanocomposites were synthesized through
immobilization of SnO2 nanoparticles on natural bentonite using aqueous extract of jujube
fruit. In this simple and safe procedure, the jujube acted as a naturally-sourced reducing
agent. The biosynthesized SnO2-bentonite nanocomposites were characterized by various
techniques such as SEM (scanning electron microscopes), EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscope), XRD (X-ray diffraction), FT-IR
(Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), and N2 adsorption-desorption to investigate the
morphology, chemical elemental composition, crystalline size, functional groups and surface
area of the biosynthesized nanocomposites. The supported SnO2 nanoparticles on bentonite
were observed obviously in the SEM image of SnO2-bentonite nanocomposites. The EDX
analysis of biosynthesized nanocomposites was well indicated the successful immobilization
of SnO2 nanoparticles on bentonite. The average particle size of SnO2-bentonite
nanocomposites was evaluated based on the TEM and found to be 18 nm. The crystalline
nature of the SnO2-bentonite nanocomposites was confirmed via XRD analysis. The
presented functional groups in biosynthesized SnO2-bentonite nanocomposites were
identified by FTIR spectral analysis.