The effect of vanadium addition in Ni1-xVxFe2O4 nano photocatalysts on remazol golden yellow degradation under visible light irradiation

Abstract

Photocatalysis is a promising solution for the degradation of dyes since this substance harms the environment. In addition, this process is environmentally friendly, especially while using low energy through visible light irradiation. In this study, Ni1-xVxFe2O4 nano-photocatalyst has been prepared using the sol-gel method. After freeze-drying and calcination processes, the sample was characterised using the techniques of x-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, UV–vis DR spectroscopy, TEM, and Particle Size Analyser (PSA). The XRD results indicated that a majority of the crystalline phase in this material prepared is NiFe2O4 spinel. Then, the grain size of this spinel is in the range of 20–32 nm. UV–vis DR spectroscopy analysis indicated that the bandgap energy of spinel Ni1-xVxFe2O4 (where x = 0.1–0.5) is 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 eV, respectively. FTIR analysis explained that catalyst functions as the photocatalyst, and maintains the structure after the reaction. Furthermore, results of dye photodegradation indicated that Ni1-x V x Fe2O4 nanocatalysts are all active and able to degrade remazol golden yellow (RGY) by more than 30% conversion under the visible light irradiation. In two stages of experiments to degrade RGY, Ni0.5V0.5Fe2O4 nanocatalyst has the best activity with more than 65% conversion. However, based on the linearity correlation in determining the order reaction, it is clear that the rate is a pseudo-first-order reaction and the best rate constant for reaction below 80 min, k = 0.0029 min−1 for Ni0.7V0.3Fe2O4 photocatalyst.