Optimization of the Bi2O3/Cu synthesis process using response surface methodology as a tetracycline photodegradation agent

Abstract

This study examined the ability of the photocatalyst material bismuth oxide doped Cu (Bi2O3/Cu) in degrading Tetracycline. Bi2O3/Cu material synthesis has been successfully carried out by the microwave-assisted precipitation method. The synthesis process was carried out by variations in Cu concentration, power, and synthesis time. Optimization was carried out on synthesis variations with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using central composite design (CCD) techniques. The response studied was the value of degradation efficiency (Ef). The best results obtained at R19 with a concentration composition of Cu 6%, power of 600 W and synthesis time of 60 min resulted in a degradation efficiency value against Tetracycline of 61.09%. XRD characterization results show that the material formed was phase α-Bi2O3 and Garhadite (Cu2H3NO6) with compositions of 71.9% and 28.1%. FWHM values obtained are 0.2636 and 0.2877, respectively. The resulting crystal size was 31.23874 nm. The results of this characterization proven that Cu metal has been successfully doped in Bi2O3 material.