Synthesis of ternary g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6/TiO2 nanotube composite photocatalysts for the decolorization of dyes under visible light and direct sunlight irradiation

Abstract

Abstract Novel ternary nanocomposite photocatalysts based on g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6/TiO2 nanotube were synthesized using simple solid combustion, hydrothermal and wetness impregnation methods. The structural and morphological properties of the synthesized photocatalysts were systematically characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystal structure and phase purity of unitary, binary, and ternary photocatalysts were confirmed by XRD analysis. The SEM analysis reveals the tubular morphology of the TiO2 nanotube, and the presence of Ti, C, N, Bi, Mo, O, C, and N in the ternary composites was confirmed by EDX analysis. The photocatalytic decolorization efficiency of the ternary composites was evaluated by monitoring the decolorization of reactive black 5 and methylene blue dyes under visible light and direct sunlight irradiation, and these ternary composites were compared with binary composites and unitary photocatalysts in terms of the decolorization efficiency. After five cycles of adsorption and decolorization reactions, it was confirmed that the ternary composite photocatalysts were highly stable and reusable. From the results, we conclude that ternary composites (g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6/TiO2 nanotube) are efficient photocatalysts for the decolorization of dyes.