Solar Decolorization of Methylene Blue by Magnetic MgFe2O4-MWCNT/Ag3VO4 Visible Active Photocatalyst

Abstract

MgFe2O4-MWCNT/Ag3VO4 photocatalyst was prepared for benefiting the visible region of solar spectrum. Prepared catalyst was characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Photocatalytic activity was measured by methylene blue (MB) decolorization under visible light obtained from a 105-W tungsten light bulb. Dye decolorization and its kinetics were followed up by means of a UV-vis spectrophotometer. Kinetic model of decolorization was found to be compatible with first-order kinetics. The effects of pH and concentration of MB solution on the decolorization efficiency were determined. Low and high pH conditions were found to be more effective in increasing the MB decolorization yield and rate. On the other hand, due to the low transparency of concentrated MB solutions, an increase on decolorization time and a lowering in decolorization yield were encountered. Thanks to the magnetic MgFe2O3 nanoparticles, 96% of the catalyst could be recovered by a simple magnetic bar. It was observed that simulated wastewater containing MB was also successfully decolorized showing that visible region-sensitive MgFe2O4-MWCNT/Ag3VO4 photocatalyst can be benefited as a potential, efficient, and reusable material for the removal organic pollutants in aquatic environment.