Preparation of Eu2O3/BiOBr for efficient photocatalytic thiamethoxam from aqueous solution

Abstract

Thiamethoxam is a highly effective pesticide that is utilized all over the world. It must be removed from water since it is hazardous to aquatic life and bio-accumulative. Photocatalysis is a popular method to remove pollutants. Here, the solvothermal approach was used to create the photocatalytic composite based on Eu2O3 and BiOBr. SEM, XRD, and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to characterize the composite's structure and determine its characteristics. The effects of Eu2O3 loading, solution pH, and dosage of catalysts on the degradation efficiency were tested. The best removal results were occurred when 1.0 g/L of Eu2O3/BiOBr with 1 mol% of Eu2O3 loading on BiOBr was added. Approximately 81.9% of thiamethoxam was degraded within 120 min under UV irradiation. A wide pH range was suitable for the catalytic process. Additionally, Eu2O3/BiOBr can be recycled six times without obviously losing catalytic activity. Scavenging experiments demonstrated that the primary active species in the photocatalytic degradation of thiamethoxam was hydroxyl radicals, and a potential photocatalytic process was hypothesized in light of the scavenging experiment findings. The materials created for this investigation showed potential uses for pesticides' quick removal.