Integration of CeO2 and Bi2O3 nanoparticles with TiO2-x to fabricate QDs-sized visible-light-triggered materials with efficient performances in the photodegradation of contaminants

Abstract

The design and synthesis of novel materials with significant performance is the main goal for the researcher working on wastewater treatment methods. Hence, in this work, the visible-light-triggered TiO2-x/CeO2/Bi2O3 (denoted as Tov/CeO/BiO) nanocomposites were prepared through a facile hydrothermal route preceded calcination at 400 °C, which presented a QDs size of about 5 nm. The phase, morphology, spectroscopic, textural, and electrochemical characteristics of the samples were investigated by different approaches. The photocatalytic ability was studied against the removal of tetracycline (TC), fuchsine (FS), and malachite green (MG) to exhibit their capability in removing various contaminants. It is confirmed that the Tov/CeO/BiO nanocomposites exhibit higher photocatalytic ability than pure TiO2-x and CeO2/Bi2O3 samples. The degradation rate constants of TC, FS, and MG by Tov/CeO/BiO-4 nanocomposite were 500×10−4, 205×10−4, and 324×10−4 min−1, respectively. The promoted performance is about 16.2, 9.62, and 9.23 folds superior to the TiO2-x, and 38.1, 16.5, and 29.1 times greater than the CeO2/Bi2O3 photocatalyst for the eliminations of TC, FS, and MG pollutants, respectively. The admirable photocatalytic efficiency of the Tov/CeO/BiO nanocomposites was associated with improved light harvesting, effective separation of charge carriers, and improved textural features. Additionally, the quenching tests showed that the holes played a prominent role in the degradation of the target pollutant. The reusability of dual S-scheme Tov/CeO/BiO-4 photocatalyst was studied during four repetitive runs. Ultimately, compared to the untreated solution, it was indicated that the resulting solution after the photocatalytic reaction has a positive impact on the growth of wheat seeds.