Abstract
In this work, the photocatalytic performance of Ag3PO4, Nb2O5 and Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 hybrid photocatalysts to degrade methyl orange dye, MO, in an aqueous solution under visible light irradiation was evaluated. The Ag3PO4 and Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 photocatalysts, with various Ag to Nb molar ratios, were prepared using a facile precipitation method. The photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–Visible, X-ray Photoelectron, and Photoluminescence spectroscopies. Upon the addition of Ag3PO4, the band gap energy of Nb2O5 decreased from 3.0 eV to 2.7 eV, indicating the possible use of the Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 hybrid photocatalysts under visible light irradiation. All of the prepared Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 catalysts exhibited higher photocatalytic performance than Ag3PO4 in degrading methyl orange dye under 23-watt visible light irradiation. The Ag3PO4/Nb2O5 catalyst, with a mole ratio of 2:1, exhibited the fastest MO degradation rate of 7.3 × 10−2 min−1, which is twice faster than that of Ag3PO4. The catalyst also shows better stability, as it is reusable for up to six experimental cycles while maintaining its photocatalytic activity above 60%.
Highlights
Accepted: 26 March 2021Dyes, widely used in the textile, paint, ink, and paper industries, are the most significant chemical contaminants that cause water pollution [1]
Its ability to utilize visible light irradiation is due to its narrow band gap energy
There was no significant effect on the photodegradation efficiency observed with the addition of tert-butanol. These results demonstrate that the h+ and O2− species are responsible for9 of the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO)
Summary
Widely used in the textile, paint, ink, and paper industries, are the most significant chemical contaminants that cause water pollution [1]. Up to 200,000 tons of dyes are lost to effluents in textile industries every year during dyeing and finishing operations. The release of colored water in the effluents causes hazards and environmental problems. Since its discovery by Fujishima and Honda in 1972, heterogeneous photocatalysis has been widely explored as a water decontamination method [1]. Visible-light-driven photocatalysis has gained research interest, with Ag3 PO4 being reported as a promising photocatalyst for the photodegradation of the aqueous dye solution. Its ability to utilize visible light irradiation is due to its narrow band gap energy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
