Dye degradation in water using Nickel/Bismuth catalyst

Abstract

The chemical contaminants present in the aquatic environment resources are a major cause of concern for human health and the environment and safety concern. These contaminations have risen into a major threat to the water distribution system. Ultimately, research activities centred on advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the destruction of synthetic organic species resistant to conventional methods. AOPs rely on in situ generation of highly reactive radical species, mainly hydroxyl radical (٠HO) by using solar, chemical or other forms of energy. The most attractive feature of AOPs is that this highly potent and strongly oxidizing radical allows the destruction of a wide range of organic chemical substrate with no selectivity. Catalysts based on bismuth and nickel shows photocatalytic activity under the action of visible light. Catalysts were prepared by hydrolysis followed by thermal treatment (400°C for 3 hours). Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), the tetragonal and monoclinic phases were confirmed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) showed micro-flora morphology hierarchically constructed by stacking nanosheets with thicknesses ranging from 140-250 nm. The calculated Eg values reached 2.36 eV. The photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated under white LED light irradiation for 2 hours. The reaction control parameters were 50 mg of catalyst, 12.00 mg L-1 RhB solution and natural pH of the RhB solution (pH = 6.22). The catalyst showed photocatalytic efficiency of 99%. The synthesized materials showed a high capacity for consecutive reuse, proving to be an environmentally friendy, green chemistry, and economically viable approach.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.003-071