Sonochemical synthesis and characterization of PrVO4/CdO nanocomposite and their application as photocatalysts for removal of organic dyes in water

Abstract

Innovation the photocatalysts with acceptable performance, especially in the visible range is one of the most important challenges for researchers because of they are the promising materials can help to environmental health. Facile synthesis of PrVO4 nanoparticles and PrVO4/ CdO nanocomposite to improve photocatalytic efficiency were two aims that were followed in this work. To obtain the desired sample, various amine sources were used as precipitating agents including: ammonia, en (ethylenediamine), teta (tetraethylene tetraamine), tepa (tetraethylene pentaamine) and H2acacpn ligand (bis(acetylacetanato) propylene diamine) was used as a capping agent. As expected, the massive reactants can restrict particle growth, it isn’t permanent though. Therefore, the product synthesized by en was chosen as the preferred sample. Then, nanocomposites were prepared by in-situ synthesis of CdO in presence of PrVO4 nanoparticles under sonication, simply. Their photocatalytic activity was examined by degradation of azo dyes under UV and visible irradiation. According to the results, it should be said that preparation of nanocomposites can develop the photocatalytic operational range and improve their efficiency but the ratio of components has to be optimized because of agglomeration has a negative effect on photocatalytical activity. Recycling the photocatalyst was another benefit of this work.