Design, fabrication, and analysis of Bi2O3/MnO2 hybrid nanomaterials for advanced photocatalytic applications

Abstract

This research work describes a novel strategy for fabricating Bi2O3/MnO2 hybrid nanomaterials using a sonication synthesis method. Extensive characterization techniques, such as UV–Vis, PL, FTIR, SEM, XRD, photocatalytic activity of dye degradation, indicate the successful decorating of MnO2 nanoparticles on the surface of Bi2O3, resulting in well-defined Bi2O3/MnO2 hybrid nanocomposites. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized materials in degrading methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation was investigated. The results show a considerable increase in photocatalytic activity when compared to pristine Bi2O3. Because of the special heterojunction structure of the optimized sample Bi2O3/MnO2-5, which further enables efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs as well as enhancing visible-light absorption, the hybrid nanocomposites have demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic effectiveness, with the optimized sample achieving maximum degradation of 83% for MB and 78% for TC within 120 min. Photocatalytic recycling experiments, Scavenger tests and XRD analysis are used to identify the reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in photocatalytic activity and to confirm the stability of the optimized sample. Recyclability studies further revealed that the catalyst may be reused up to five cycles, indicating that it has the potential to be a long-term environmental cleanup solution. In summary, our work highlights the great promise of Bi2O3/MnO2 hybrid nanomaterials for enhanced photocatalytic applications, while also contributing to our knowledge of these materials. The study's comprehensive characterization and optimization techniques provide a substantial contribution to the area and open up the possibility for further advancements in energy conversion, ecological environmental remediation technologies and paves a way for manufacturing innovation.