Photocatalytic degradation of Amaranth and Brilliant Blue FCF dyes using in situ modified tungsten doped TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles

Abstract

This study focuses on the process of photocatalytic degradation of popular dyes like Amaranth and Brilliant Blue, using reagent grade TiO2 and in situ modified tungsten doped TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles. One of the drawbacks of nanoparticles is their agglomeration and poor dispersion in the medium as well as their limited activity in the ultra violet region, which makes them less efficient. In order to overcome such drawbacks, for the first time, in situ surface modification and doping of TiO2 nanoparticles were carried out employing n-butylamine as surface modifier and tungsten oxide as dopant. Modification was conducted under mild hydrothermal conditions (T = 150 °C, P = autogenous). Nanoparticles obtained were characterized using Powder XRD, FTIR, DLS, Zeta potential, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and TEM. The characterization indicated the desired results with respect to morphology, particle size distribution and less agglomeration. The results of the process of photodegradation of Brilliant Blue FCF and Amaranth dyes showed a higher efficiency for in situ modified tungsten doped TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles than for reagent grade TiO2.