Effect of photocatalytic activities of nano-sized copper molybdate (CuMoO 4)-doped bismuth titanate (Bi 2Ti 4O 11) (CMBT) alloy

Abstract

Different compositions of [CuMoO 4] x -doped Bi 2Ti 4O 11 nanophotocatalyst ( x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.5) have been prepared by chemical precursor decomposition (CPD) method using triethanolamine (TEA) and HNO 3. Cu(II) is one of reactive species on the catalyst surface and Mo(VI) ion helps to generate charge compensation of lattice having poor catalytic properties. The photocatalytic properties based on the prepared samples for photodecolorization of thymol blue (TB) solutions are examined by Hg-lamp. The crystal structures of the prepared nano-powders are characterized by XRD, EDAX, UV–vis spectra, specific surface area (BET), and HRTEM analyses. The average particle size of copper molybdate-doped bismuth titanate ranges 32 ± 5 nm measured from TEM. Results show doping of copper molybdate of 5 mol% with bismuth titanate can significantly increase the photoactivity of bismuth titanate compared all the compositions studied except degussa P25 titania. The observed increased photocatalytic activity of copper molybdate-doped bismuth titanate ((CuMoO4) x (Bi 2Ti 4O 11) 1− x ; CM x BT 1− x ) is attributed to the strong absorption of OH groups at the surface of the catalyst.