Enhanced UV-light active α-Bi2O3 nanoparticles for the removal of methyl orange and ciprofloxacin

Abstract

• UV light-induced pollutant degradation was completely degraded by bismuth trioxide at ∼87% and 95∼ after 100 and 140 min for methyl orange and ciprofloxacin. • According to the TOC report confirmed by the mass spectrometry spectrum, most pollutants were converted into less toxic products after being exposed. • As a consequence, we can draw the conclusion that Bismuth Trioxide is the perfect candidate for the degradation of pollutants due to the fact that it is less costly, is simple to synthesize, and has a reasonable degradation rate. • Additionally, the photocatalyst can be reused more than four times without significantly altering its degradation rate. This study successfully synthesized α-Bi 2 O 3 nanoparticles using a grinding method. XRD, FT-IR, UV-Vis DRS, and Raman spectroscopy were used to determine the structure and optical properties of the sample. The XRD and Raman results of the Bismuth Trioxide prepared led us to believe that it had a hexagonal structure. Furthermore, the EDXRF and EDX results indicate that the synthesized material is highly pure and impurity-free. In the presence of ultraviolet light, Bi 2 O 3 nanoparticles exhibit superior photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Methyl Orange (MO) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP). It is estimated that 87% of CIP can be removed after 100 minutes and 95% of MO after 150 minutes. In accordance with the TOC removal report, 67.73% of CIP had been removed after 200 minutes and 77.86% had been removed after 280 minutes. Additionally, a four-cycle treatment did not significantly change the activity of the catalyst.