Synthesis and Characterization of TiO₂@Zn₂SnO₄ Composite as a Novel UV Filter with Reduced Photocatalytic Activity and Low Toxicity for Sunscreen Applications

Authors

Rusul Kadhim Naser, Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Kerbala, Karbala 56001, Iraq
Kadhim Al-Attafi, Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Kerbala, Karbala 56001, Iraq.Follow
Muntadher Abdulsalam A.Al.Alrabeeah, Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Nisour University, Baghdad 10011, Iraq.

Abstract

This study builds upon our recent investigation, which utilized various morphologies and particle sizes of Zn₂SnO₄ and TiO₂. Zn₂SnO₄ can block UVB and part of UVA and shows much less photocatalytic activity than TiO₂. Herein, the current study aims to reduce the photocatalytic activity of TiO_₂, a compound often utilized as an ultraviolet (UV) filter in sunscreen, by incorporating Zn₂SnO₄ as a composite_. Since Zn₂SnO₄ produces much fewer free radicals, in terms of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), due to its low photocatalytic activity. To overcome or minimize the high photocatalytic activity of TiO₂, composite materials TiO₂@Zn₂SnO₄ were prepared by combining synthesized TiO₂ and Zn₂SnO₄ nanoparticles in different weight ratios (75/25, 50/50, and 25/75 wt%) for use as a novel UV filter in sunscreen. We investigated these composites to evaluate their ability to filter UV rays in sunscreen formulation. The sun protection factor (SPF) test indicated that Zn₂SnO₄ can protect the skin similarly to TiO₂, blocking the UVB and partially blocking UVA. TiO₂@Zn₂SnO₄ as a composite made TiO₂ much less effective as a photocatalyst while still maintaining efficient UV blocking. The TiO₂@Zn₂SnO₄ composite with Zn₂SnO₄-rich composition has the best balance of performance. In vitro genotoxicity experiments also showed that both synthesized TiO₂ and Zn₂SnO₄ were safe as physical UV filters, as they maintained cell viability. These findings indicate that the novel TiO₂@Zn₂SnO₄ composite system could serve as a safe and efficient alternative UV filter in next-generation sunscreen formulations.

Recommended Citation

Naser, Rusul Kadhim; Al-Attafi, Kadhim; and A.Al.Alrabeeah, Muntadher Abdulsalam (2026) "Synthesis and Characterization of TiO₂@Zn₂SnO₄ Composite as a Novel UV Filter with Reduced Photocatalytic Activity and Low Toxicity for Sunscreen Applications," Karbala International Journal of Modern Science: Vol. 12 : Iss. 1 , Article 13.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.33640/2405-609X.3444

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