Development of high efficient Co3O4/Bi2O3/rGO nanocomposite for an effective photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical molecules with improved interfacial charge transfer. Issue 2 (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shanavas, Shajahan; Haija, Mohammad Abu; Singh, Dinesh Pratap; Ahamad, Tansir; Roopan, Selvaraj Mohana; Van Le, Quyet; Acevedo, Roberto; Anbarasan, Ponnusamy Munusamy
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 10:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: RGO -- Nanocomposite -- Interfacial charge transfer -- Pharmaceutical molecules -- Photocatalytic degradation; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2022.107243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, novel 3D/3D/2D-Co3 O4 /Bi2 O3 /rGO ternary nanocomposites is were successfully synthesized via hydrothermal technique assisted with self-assembly process. The prepared materials were characterized for their morphological, structural, and optical properties using various techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, and UV-DRS. The compositions of 3D-Co3 O4 and 3D-Bi2 O3 in the ternary nanostructure were adjusted during the synthesis process to obtain a highly photoactive nanocomposite. The photocatalytic degradation ability of the ternary nanocomposite was significantly increased due to the Z-scheme photoexcited charge transfer process in the nanocomposite. The 2D rGO nanosheets in the ternary nanocomposite decreased the recombination of photoexcited charge carriers which increased the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the nanocomposite. The photocatalytic degradation activity of 3D/3D/2D-Co3 O4 /Bi2 O3 /rGO ternary nanocomposite was studied for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) and ibuprofen (IBP) under visible light irradiation. Results showed that the Co3 O4 /Bi2 O3 /rGO ternary nanocomposite is a highly active catalyst for the degradation of TC and IBP. Trapping experiments were performed to scrutinize the predominant reactive species involved during photocatalytic degradation reactions. The ternary nanocomposite was successfully reused for five degradation cycles without remarkable loss in its catalytic activity. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Synthesis of novel 3D/3D/2D-Co3 O4 /Bi2 O3 /rGO nanocomposite is achieved through hydrothermal technique. Z-scheme photoexcited charge transfer process in the nanocomposite is investigated in detail. Photocatalytic degradation ability of Co3 O4 /Bi2 O3 /rGO is studied against tetracycline molecules under visible light. FE-SEM and HR-TEM results clearly show the successful deposition of Co3 O4 /Bi2 O3 nanostructures on the surface of rGO.