The effects of S-doping concentration on the photocatalytic performance of SnSe/S-GO nanocomposites

Effect of synthesis methodologies upon the photocatalytic performance of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 for pollutant degradation

In the face of mounting environmental concerns, we must seek out innovative solutions for remediation. Using nanomaterials to degrade organic pollutants in water under ambient visible light holds great promise as a safe, cost-efficient, and effective approach to addressing pollution in our water bodies. The development of novel materials capable of such pollution degradation is desired to preserve the environment. In this study, Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) nanoparticles are synthesized through hydrothermal and solid-state routes, and their physicochemical properties are compared to assess their photocatalytic performance. The results of the characterization studies indicate that the hydrothermally synthesized nanoparticles outperformed the solid-state synthesized counterparts in terms of photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine blue dye under ambient light exposure is examined at various dye concentrations and catalyst dosages. BNT nanoparticles demonstrated excellent photocatalytic properties, stability, and recyclability, making them a promising candidate for various photocatalytic applications. The findings of this study could pave the way for the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly photocatalytic technologies for water remediation.

Synthesis of ZrO2:Dy3+ Nanoparticles: Photoluminescent, Photocatalytic, and Electrochemical Sensor Studies

Solution combustion was employed to create a series of ZrO2:Dy3+ (1-11 mol percent) nanoparticles (NPs) using oxalyl dihydrazide (ODH) as the fuel. ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs were subjected to calcination at about 700°C. ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs comprised of 1 to 11 mol% of Dy3+ were characterized by employing the X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopic (TEM), UV-visible, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) techniques. The crystallite diameters of 1 to 11 mol% ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs were observed to range from 8.1 nm to 16.3 nm, exhibiting spherical shape. According to BET tests, the pore volume of ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs was determined to be 100.129 cm3/g. The mean pore diameter of ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs was determined to be 4.803 nm from the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) plot. The photoluminescence and photocatalytic dye degradation properties of ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs were investigated. The acid red 88 (AR88) dye was applied to appraise the photocatalytic activities of the NPs under UV irradiation. ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs with 3 mol% Dy3+ exhibited improvised photocatalytic activity due to the operative departure of charge carriers. The electrochemical examination of ZrO2:Dy3+ NP modified carbon paste electrode in 0.1 N HCl demonstrated considerable redox potential output, as evidenced by cyclic voltammetric and amperometric measurements. The electrochemical sensor studies on ZrO2:Dy3+ NPs exhibited potentiality towards sensing of highly toxic metals like mercury and lead.