Gallium-doped titania nanotubes as advanced photocatalysts and biopesticides: a path to water purification and vector control

Abstract

The release of Rose Bengal (RB) dye poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems, necessitating sustainable water treatment solutions. This study introduces a novel photocatalytic approach utilizing titania nanotubes (TNTs) doped with varying contents of gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃, 0–5%) via a hydrothermal method. Characterization techniques, including FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, and XPS, confirmed the formation of nanotubular structures with enhanced surface area and defect states. The total organic carbon (TOC) measurement indicated effective mineralization of RB dye. Among the synthesized photocatalysts, the 1% Gallium-doped titania nanotubes (Ga-doped TNTs) achieved optimal RB degradation, decomposing 97% of the dye within 110 min under UV illumination, owing to improved charge separation and synergistic effects between Ga and TNTs. Furthermore, Ga-doped TNTs demonstrated superior efficacy in mosquito control, with 100% larvicidal mortality observed at 400 °C compared with only 57.2% for TNTs. Similarly, the pupicidal mortality rate at 72 h increased from 26.2% (TNTs) to 60.8% (Ga-doped TNTs-400). The findings emphasize the dual functionality of Ga-doped TNTs as efficient photocatalysts for water purification and eco-friendly biopesticides, presenting a promising strategy for environmental remediation and vector control.