SrAl2O4:Eu2+: Dy3+/ WO3/ polyester nanocomposite as a highly efficient and environmentally friendly photocatalyst for removal of dyes from industrial wastes

Abstract

The novel, reusable and highly efficient nanocomposite photocatalyst was synthesized from WO3 particles, SrAl2O4:Eu2+: Dy3+ nanoparticles and polyester resin. The structure of the synthesized nanocomposite and the distribution of the ingredients were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The long lasting phosphorescent SrAl2O4:Eu2+:Dy3+ nanoparticles act as nano-lamps for excitation of WO3 particles. Thus, this synergistic effect can significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of the WO3 photocatalyst. In fact, 5 min illumination by three 1-Watt LED emitters at wavelength of 400 nm produces sufficient energy for 12 h phosphorescence emission by the SrAl2O4:Eu2+: Dy3+ nanoparticles, and hence, excitation of WO3 photocatalyst. Reusability, low energy consumption, stability, simple recovery from solution, high catalytic efficiency an environmentally friendly ingredients are the most important advantages of the proposed SrAl2O4:Eu2+: Dy3+/ WO3/ polyester nanocomposite luminescent photocatalyst. The proposed nanocomposite was able to photocataliticaly remove up to 99 % of methylene blue from industrial wastes in less than 90 min.