Photocatalytic Degradation Of Rhodamine B Research Articles

ZnO/g-C3N4 S scheme photocatalytic material with visible light response and enhanced photocatalytic performance

ZnO/g-C3N4 composite photocatalyst is prepared by ultrasonic dispersion method for Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation from wastewater. The characterization results of the ZnO/g-C3N4 indicate that ZnO nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on the surface of two-dimensional g-C3N4 nanosheet. In addition, the existence of heterojunction between ZnO and g-C3N4 promotes the effective separation of photogenerated carriers and improves the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/g-C3N4. The influence of ZnO/g-C3N4 dosage on the RhB photocatalytic degradation removal is investigated. The RhB photocatalytic degradation removal is 95.6 % and reaction rate constant is 0.0201 min−1 at addition amount of 4.0 g/L. The RhB photocatalytic degradation kinetics process is fitted by Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation. Compared with the difference between the peak positions of N1s, C1s, O1s and Zn2p in ordinary and in situ XPS spectra, the analysis result indicates that the transfer path of photoelectrons is from ZnO to the g-C3N4 under visible light irradiation. The RhB photocatalytic degradation mechanism conforms to the S-scheme mechanism combined with DFT calculation. ZnO/g-C3N4 still has good photocatalytic degradation activity after 5 cycles.

Effective photodegradation of organic water pollutants by the facile synthesis of Ag2O nanoparticles

In this study, Ag2O nanoparticles were synthesized using a low-cost precipitation method. The synthesized nanomaterials are characterized by XRD, FTIR, XPS, Photoluminescence, and EDX. The shape and excellent size of incorporated Ag2O nanoparticles were exhibited utilizing SEM and XRD. XRD patterns of precipitated Ag2O powders indicated a cubic structure with crystallite diameters of 18.5 nm, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) gathered from the dyeing industry was used to examine the Ag2O nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of Rh-B degradation in an aqueous solution was also studied; this process resulted in a 76 % reduction of the dye in 60 minutes when exposed to UV-visible light. In the instance of pseudo first-order reaction kinetics, this corresponds to rate constants of 0.99804 min−1. As a result, precipitation was used to increase the photocatalytic activity of Ag2O nanostructures. The findings provide a pathway to developing advanced photocatalysts that may effectively remove organic contaminants in water using just visible light.

Solar light assisted degradation of Rhodamine B dye by chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles

Utilization of dyes and dyestuff is increasing day by day, which affects environmental health and sustainability. Rhodamine B (RhB) is a synthetic xanthene class of dye that has a major application in cosmetic, painting, printing, and textile industries. The toxicity of RhB has been reported in animals, insects as well as humans in parts per billion (ppb) concentration. Exposure to this dye causes skin irritation, nervous system issues, and developmental changes. Therefore, the remediation of the dye is a crucial factor. The aim of this study was solar-assisted photocatalytic degradation of RhB. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out with chemical reduction method, and characterization with the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic activity was checked with 1000 mL wastewater in which 10 ppm dye was added. Optimization of physicochemical parameters was performed by one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method. Maximum 99.32 % decolourization was observed at 2 g/L catalyst concentration, pH = 6, and 10 ppm dye concentration in 50 min irradiation time at 0.19 mg/L/min rate of decolourization. The initial degradation was confirmed based on chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction; 89.25 % COD removal at a 0.17 mg/L/min rate was observed. The confirmation of degradation was carried out with UV-visible spectrophotometer and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis. AgNPs were the efficient catalyst for the degradation of RhB. The toxicity study proved that, after degradation of RhB with AgNPs, the degraded products were less toxic than the original ones.

Construction of Pt@BiFeO3 Xerogel-Supported O-g-C3N4 Heterojunction System for Enhanced Visible-Light Activity towards Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B

Synthetic organic pigments from the direct discharge of textile effluents are considered as colossal global concern and attract the attention of scholars. The efficient construction of heterojunction systems involving precious metal co-catalysis is an effective strategy for obtaining highly efficient photocatalytic materials. Herein, we report the construction of a Pt-doped BiFeO3/O-g-C3N4 (Pt@BFO/O-CN) S-scheme heterojunction system for photocatalytic degradation of aqueous rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation. The photocatalytic performances of Pt@BFO/O-CN and BFO/O-CN composites and pristine BiFeO3 and O-g-C3N4 were compared, and the photocatalytic process of the Pt@BFO/O-CN system was optimized. The results exhibit that the S-scheme Pt@BFO/O-CN heterojunction has superior photocatalytic performance compared to its fellow catalysts, which is due to the asymmetric nature of the as-constructed heterojunction. The as-constructed Pt@BFO/O-CN heterojunction reveals high performance in photocatalytic degradation of RhB with a degradation efficiency of 100% achieved after 50 min of visible-light irradiation. The photodegradation fitted well with pseudo-first-order kinetics proceeding with a rate constant of 4.63 × 10−2 min−1. The radical trapping test reveals that h+ and •O2− take the leading role in the reaction, while the stability test reveals a 98% efficiency after the fourth cycle. As established from various interpretations, the considerably enhanced photocatalytic performance of the heterojunction system can be attributed to the promoted charge carrier separation and transfer of photoexcited carriers, as well as the strong photo-redox ability established. Hence, the S-scheme Pt@BFO/O-CN heterojunction is a good candidate in the treatment of industrial wastewater for the mineralization of organic micropollutants, which pose a grievous threat to the environment.

Supramolecular self‐assembly of polymeric carbon nitride with high photocatalytic activity

AbstractMelamine and cyanic acid were self‐assembled into the supramolecular precursor through hydrogen bonding, and the precursor was treated by adding different amounts of H2O2. A series of polymeric carbon nitrides by H2O2 were prepared by the high temperature calcination method, and these samples were characterized by various modern analysis methods. Taking Rhodamine B(RhB) as the pollutant, the effect of H2O2 addition on the photocatalytic performance of polymeric carbon nitride was investigated. The results show that the addition of H2O2 affected the structural composition of polymeric carbon nitride and enhanced its photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB by the polymeric carbon nitride with 30 mL H2O2 was the best, and the degradation time of RhB to 90 % by this polymeric carbon nitride was at least 10 min earlier than that of the sample without H2O2. The degradation of RhB by the polymeric carbon nitride with 30 mL H2O2 was 99.7 % within 30 min. This polymeric carbon nitride had good stability, and the degradation of RhB decreased slightly after cyclic experiment but the chemical groups remained unchanged.

Ultrasound-assisted photocatalytic degradation of RhB by Bi-doped AgNbO3 under internal electric field control

Donor doping is a promising method to regulate ferroelectric properties and grain size. Herein, Ag1–3xBixNbO3 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04) powders were prepared by a conventional solid-state sintering method. The grain size gradually decreases with increasing x. The piezo-photocatalytic decomposition ratio of Rhodamine B (RhB) is 96.3% within 60 min for Ag0.91Bi0.03NbO3-air, and the rate constant k value reaches 0.057 min−1, which is comparable to that of precious metal-loaded catalysts. It is worth mentioning that Ag0.91Bi0.03NbO3-air exhibits great piezo-photocatalytic activity among these samples, because the rational introduction of Bi into AgNbO3-air can control the grain size, ferroelectric property, and remanent polarization. This study provides insight into donor doping and grain size engineering strategies in the hope of providing additional insights into the environmental field.

Improved photocatalytic activity under the sunlight of high transparent hydrophilic Bi-doped TiO2 thin-films

The Doping of TiO2 with various elements increases its photo-catalytic activity due to the formation of new energy levels near the conduction band. In this work, titania (TiO2) and bismuth-doped titania (Bi-doped TiO2) films were made by the sol–gel process with dip coating method employed for more cost-effective approach. The study investigated Bi-doped TiO2 films on glass substrates at different Bi concentrations (0.1, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%) to use as solar-photocatalysts for degradation of Rhodamine-B in the presence of Ag+, H2O2, and C3H8O3 as hole-scavengers. The film fabricated at 7 wt% Bi showed high photocatalytic activity with the addition of Ag+ as hole-scavenger, achieving 79.84%. When increasing doping Bi (from 0.1 to 7 wt%), the transmittance properties increased (from 66.27 to 97.46 %) and affected the morphology of the films structure. All films display hydrophilic characteristics with contact angles between 30° to 70°. The film of 7 wt% Bi-doped TiO2 achieved a good photocatalytic efficiency (compared to other films) at ∼ 34,65% corresponding to (101) anatase phase, 15.2 nm of crystal size, 312.5 nm of film-thickness, and 3.65 eV of bandgap energy. In the film containing 7 wt% of Bi-doped TiO2, the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine-B was improved by approximately 14.49, 33.56, and 45.19% with the addition of C3H8O3, H2O2, and Ag+, respectively. Therefore, this work eases the fabrication of Bi-doped TiO2 thin films with high photo-catalytic activity, suggesting potential applicability in environmental applications to treat wastewater from metal ions (Ag+) and dye Rhodamine-B.

Tin Oxide-Graphene Oxide (SnO2/GO) Nanocomposite: A Promising Photocatalyst for Rhodamine-B Dye Degradation

Appropriate wastewater treatment methods for effectual and practical decontamination of wastewater bodies is the prime goal of today’s environmentalists and industrialists. Herein, sunlight driven photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine-B (RhB) has been investigated by employing hydrothermally synthesized tin oxide-graphene oxide (SnO2/GO) nanocomposite. Physiochemical characterization of composite has been accomplished via X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence (PL). Photocatalytic degradation of RhB is studied using UV light and spectrophotometer. SnO2-GO nanocomposite degraded the RhB dye in 120 min comparatively in quite lesser time than separate SnO2 and GO degradation performances. The incorporation of GO into SnO2 decreases the rate of electron–hole recombination, increases the oxidation of carriers as well as the rate of carrier separation owing to the synergistic impact of GO and SnO2. Therefore, an affordable graphene oxide supported SnO2 nanocomposite can be implicated as efficacious real wastewater treatment method at industrial scale.

Photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye using low‐cost pyrofabricated titanium dioxide quantum dots‐kaolinite nanocomposite

In this study, we report a simple technique for the pyrofabrication of a novel photocatalyst of titanium dioxide quantum dots‐kaolinite nanocomposite (TiO2‐QDs‐Kao) used for rhodamine B (RhB) dye degradation. The photocatalyst was characterized by using different analytical techniques, including XRD, XRF, XPS, FTIR, DTA/TGA, SEM–EDX, TEM, BET, BJH, ZP and UV–Vis DRS. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB was performed in aqueous solutions using the sustainable sunlight energy under atmospheric conditions and fixed neutral medium (pH = 7). The produced photocatalyst exhibited optical band gap energy of 2.85 eV, an improved large specific surface area of 107.724 m2/g with pore radius of 1.45 nm and total pore volume of 0.123 cm3/g. The study indicated a maximum 91% degradation efficiency of RhB after 120 min using the optimum dose 1,400 mg/l of the TiO2‐QDs‐Kao photocatalyst. The degradation of RhB dye fitted the Langmuir first‐order kinetics with rate constant 0.0151 min−1. The radical trapping experiments based on scavengers confirmed that the mechanism of photocatalytic degradation activity was potentially based on electron (e−) and hole (h+) conduction band. The potential energy of the valence and conduction bands EVB and ECB were calculated 2.73 and −0.12 eV, respectively. A triple reusability study confirmed a high stability of TiO2‐QDs‐Kao photocatalyst with detected degradation efficiencies of 91.0, 89.9, 88.8 and 87.5%, respectively.

Impact on the Photocatalytic Dye Degradation of Morphology and Annealing-Induced Defects in Zinc Oxide Nanostructures.

In this study, three different morphologies, nanoflower (NF), nano sponge (NS), and nano urchin (NU), of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures were synthesized successfully via a mild hydrothermal method. After synthesis, the samples were annealed in the atmosphere at 300, 600, and 800 °C. Although annealing provides different degradation kinetics for different morphologies, ZnO NS performed significantly better than other morphologies for all annealing temperatures we used in the study. When the photoluminescence, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, BET surface, and X-ray diffraction analysis results are examined, it is revealed that the defect structure, pore diameter, and crystallinity cumulatively affect the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanocatalysts. As a result, to obtain high photocatalytic activity in rhodamine B (RhB) degradation, it is necessary to develop a ZnO catalyst with fewer core defects, more oxygen vacancies, near band emission, large crystallite size, and large pore diameter. The ZnO NS-800 °C nanocatalyst studied here had a 35.6 × 10-3 min-1 rate constant and excellent stability after a 5-cycle photocatalytic degradation of RhB.

Photocatalytic activity of the novel triazine-based magnetic core–shell Cu nanocomposite for degradation of RhB and MB via air oxidation and Cr(VI) reduction

This study examines the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) and also reduction of Cr(VI) from water via novel thiol-functionalized magnetic core–shell Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand and Fe3O4/MPTM/Ligand-Cu nanoparticles as recyclable photocatalysts. The structure and morphology of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by different techniques. Nanospherical particles were identified through FE-SEM, TEM and HR-TEM analysis. The oxidation states and also bonding type of different elements of nano compounds were recognized by XPS spectra. According to the PL spectra, the electron/hole recombination of Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand-Cu decreased in comparison with Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand. The investigation of the optical properties of the synthesized samples showed that optical band gap value decreased at each stage and was about 2.09 eV for Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand-Cu nanoparticles, which sufficiently absorbed visible light. The Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand and Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand-Cu nanoparticles were used to degrade MB and RhB dyes under sun and visible light irradiation without using external oxidation agent. According to the TOC results, more than 80 percent of dyes were decomposed to CO2. Based on the results of the scavenger tests, the hydroxyl radical could play a significant part in MB and RhB photocatalytic degradation and also reduction of Cr(VI) by Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand-Cu and Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand nanoparticles under visible and sun light irradiation. The excellent photoelectrochemical properties of Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand-Cu compared with Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand are in agreement with its higher photocatalytic activity for RhB and MB degradation and Cr(VI) reduction. Generally, the advantage of Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand-Cu and Fe3O4/MPTMS/Ligand nanoparticles is that they can be separated using an external magnet and used for subsequent reactions.

Uranyl-organic hybrid material with semi-rigid polycarboxylate: Synthesis, structure, luminescence and photocatalytic properties

One novel uranyl carboxylate complex [(UO2) (L)·2H2O] (1) (H2L=4-carboxymethoxy-benzoic acid) was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions by the reaction of UO2(NO3)2·6H2O and H2L in aqueous system. X-ray analysis of single crystal structure determined that complex 1 exhibits one-dimensional ribbon structure, in which, the UO22+ ions are bridged by L2−. The one-dimensional chains are further connected into 3D supramolecular network by OH…O hydrogen bond interactions between the coordinated water molecule and the coordinated carboxylic oxygen. The π…π interactions between adjacent benzene rings also contribute the structure formation. Complex 1 exhibits emblematic charge-transfer green emission of uranyl-bearing complexes. The UV–vis absorption spectra reveal distinct light absorption both on the ultraviolet and visible regions for 1. Photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solutions using Complex 1 was studied, 78.3% of the RhB was degraded in only 80 min. Our obtained uranyl coordination polymer represents effective RhB photocatalytic degradation materials in aqueous solution. Infrared spectroscopy, TGA and PXRD were also discussed.

Preparation of ZnO-PPy-CNTs ternary composites and visible light degradation of rhodamine B

In this paper, ZnO/PPy/CNTs composite samples were successfully prepared by hydrothermal method. And characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, it proved that the complex has characteristic peaks of individual substances. Under 240 min of light, the optimal doping amount of carbon nanotubes is 1%. Under the visible light (λ > 550 nm), the degradation rate of rhodamine B (RhB) can reach 92.4%. The main active species of ZPC catalytic system is ·O2–, there is a good linear relationship between the sample ln (C0/Ct) and the photocatalytic reaction time t. And we speculated the possible mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of RhB in ZPC composite samples under visible light.

Preparation and Photocatalytic Properties of Phosphotungstic Acid SiC Composites

Four kinds of PTA SiC photocatalysts with different proportions of PTA were prepared by impregnation from phosphotungstic acid (PTA) and SiC. The photocatalyst was characterized by UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Rhodamine B (RHB) was used as degradation substrate to investigate the photocatalytic degradation performance of the photocatalyst. The results show that the prepared photocatalyst maintains both the support structure of SiC and the Keggin structure of PTA. PTA SiC with 40% mass fraction of PTA had the best photocatalytic degradation performance. When exposed to light for 180 min, RHB can reach 66% of the degradation efficiency and the photodegradation reaction rate constant was 5.21×10−3 min−1. As an active substance, hydroxyl radical plays a decisive role in photocatalytic degradation of RHB.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine-B by Ni/Zn LDH Intercalated Polyoxometalate Compound

NiAl-LDH and ZnAl-LDH intercalated polyoxometalate K4 [SiW12O40] and K3 [PW12O40] were synthesized to form composite NiAl-[SiW12O40], NiAl-[PW12O40], ZnAl-[SiW12O40], and ZnAl-[PW12O40]. The physicochemical properties of the materials were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and UV-DRS. The material used for degraded Rhodamine B (RhB) as a cation dye. The results successfully synthesized by showed the peak diffractions angles at 11.63°, 23.13°, and 35.16° for NiAl-LDH and diffractions at 10.39°, 20.17°, 34.6° and 60.52°for ZnAl-LDH. The LDH typical structure of the composite materials NiAl-[SiW12O40] and NiAl-[PW12O40] was demonstrated by apparent diffraction at 2???? angles of 10.76°, 26.59°, 30.8°, and 63.11° for NiAl [PW12O40], 2???? angles at 8.26°, 11.34°, 29°, and 35.1° for NiAl-[SiW12O40], 7.73°, 28.6° and 35.6° for ZnAl-[PW12O40], and 8.61°, 25.27°, 34.96° and 66.34° for ZnAl-[SiW12O40]. The materials were characterized as an advanced catalyst to improve photocatalytic activity for RhB elimination under visible light sources. The intercalation of polyoxometalate [SiW12O40]4- and [PW12O40]3- into LDH could enhance the degradation cationic dye of RhB. Intercalation improved the photodegradation performance determined under UV-Vis irradiation conditions which composite NiAl-LDH was better than ZnAl-LDH composite. It was present by the %degradation RhB performances NiAl-LDH, ZnAl-LDH, NiAl-[SiW12O40], NiAl-[PW12O40], ZnAl-[SiW12O40], and ZnAl-[PW12O40] were 91.48%, 88.59%, and 88.41%, and 87.87%, respectively. The %degradation for NiAl-LDH and ZnAl-LDH was 68.94% and 65.76%. Recovery and reusability experiment of the catalyst demonstrated by degradation percentage that the LDH intercalated polyoxometalate has a great photocatalytic ability.

Study on the MOF Frame Pt-TiO2 Hybrid Photocatalyst and Its Photocatalytic Performance

As the efficient catalysts are synthesized by a simple strategy, photocatalysis offers a sustainable route to solve the problem of environmentally sound treatment of industrial dye wastewater. Herein, Pt-doped TiO2 with MIL-125 as the backbone has been fabricated using thermal synthesis. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized catalyst samples was tested using Rhodamine B (RhB) as the contaminant model. The physicochemical properties of the solid specimens were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, BET and EDX techniques. The photocatalytic degradation experiments showed that the photocatalytic degradation of RhB by M-Pt-TiO2 was 98.97% after 30 min of degradation. The radical capture experiments showed that superoxide radicals and conduction band electrons as reactive oxygen species played a major role in the degradation process. After four cycles, the photocatalytic activity of M-Pt-TiO2 decreased from 98.4% to 94.9%, indicating that the photocatalyst sample had good photocatalytic stability.

Magnetic chitosan/TiO2 composite for vanadium(v) adsorption simultaneously being transformed to an enhanced natural photocatalyst for the degradation of rhodamine B.

A magnetic chitosan/TiO2 composite material (MCT) was developed. MCT was successfully synthesized by a one-pot method using chitosan, TiO2, and Fe3O4. The absorption equilibrium time of MCT was 40 min in absorbing vanadium(v), the optimal adsorption pH was 4, and the maximum adsorption capacity of vanadium(v) was 117.1 mg g-1. The spent MCT was applied to photocatalytic reactions for reutilization. The decolorization rates for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) by new and spent MCT were 86.4% and 94.3%, respectively. The new and spent MCT exhibited absorption bands at 397 and 455 nm, respectively, which showed that the spent MCT was red-shifted to the cyan light region. These results indicated that the forbidden band widths of the new and spent MCT were about 3.12 and 2.72 eV, respectively. The mechanism of the degradation reaction showed that the hydroxyl radicals as oxidants in the spent MCT mediated the photocatalytic degradation of RhB. In addition, the superoxide anion radical formation of hydroxyl radicals was the main reaction, and the hole generation of hydroxyl radicals was the subordinate reaction. The N-de-ethylated intermediates and organic acids were monitored by MS and HPLC.

Preparation of Carboxylated Carbon Nitride for RhB Photocatalytic Degradation

A simple calcination process was used to create g-C3N4 (CN) from melamine, and the modified g-C3N4 (MCN) was synthesized with hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3). After acid modification, CN successfully introduced oxygen-containing functional groups and obtained CN-HNO3 with multiple holes, which improved the photocatalytic efficiency. The bandgap of CN-HNO3 (2.46 eV) is 0.24 eV lower than that of CN (2.70 eV), resulting in more electron holes and improved light absorption of the catalyst. CN-HNO3 has a conduction band (CB) of -1.23 eV, while CN has a CB of -1.13 eV. CN-HNO3 is simpler to convert O2 to and#183;O2- than CN, which can boost photocatalytic efficiency. The degradation of rhodamine B(RhB) was used to investigate the photocatalytic properties of CN and MCN. The results show that the photocatalytic efficiency of MCN was higher than that of pure CN, and the photocatalytic efficiency and degradation rate constant of CN-HNO3 was 36.6% and 5.5 times higher than that of the CN, reaching 99.7% and 0.0341 min-1. The degradation efficiency remained more than 85% after five cycles, showing that MCN was more photo-catalytically stable than CN.

Effect of Iron-Doping on the Structure and Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanoparticles

This research reports a simple, innovative, and low-cost doping method of TiO2 nanoparticles presenting the effects of calcination and the weight ratio of TiO2:FeCl3 (1:0.33–1:4.5). The photocatalytic activity of the nanomaterials was investigated by decolorizing Rhodamine B (RhB) dye in an aqueous solution. The main results showed that there is anatase-to-rutile transformation after the calcination process. The Fe-doped process modified the TiO2 spectrum and showed a connection in the Ti–O–Fe vibration. The particle size is within the nanometer range, between 20–51 nm, except for calcined TiO2. The inclusion of Fe in TiO2 decreased the band gap energy from 3.16 (reference) up to 2.06 eV (1:3). Additionally, after the calcination, there was a decrease in this value from 3.03 eV (reference) up to 1.95 eV (1:1.6). The TiO2, with a ratio of (1:1.6), showed the highest activity in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB with an efficiency of 93.8% after 3 h of irradiation.

One-step solution combustion synthesis of Bi/BiOCl nanosheets: Reaction mechanism and photocatalytic RhB degradation

In this study, Bi/BiOCl nanosheets were prepared by a rapid, cost-efficient and one-step solution combustion synthesis method using a mixed fuel (glycine and tartaric acid). Through thermometry and thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), the combustion mode and reaction mechanism are analyzed. The reducing gas produced by the mixed fuel is a necessary condition for obtaining metal Bi decorated BiOCl, and the content of Bi in the composite can be regulated by adjusting the molar ratio of Bi/Cl in reactants. In addition, under visible light irradiation, due to the SPR effect of metal Bi, Bi/BiOCl composite photocatalyst shows better photocatalytic performance, in which the highest degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B (RhB) within 120 min is 2.6 times higher than that of BiOCl. Thus, the present study provides an economic and convenient method for the tunable synthesis of a high-efficiency catalyst for the degradation of pollutants.