Preparation of Ca0.1Cu0.90Bi2O4 heterojunction with improved visible light photocatalytic performance of congo red: Kinetics and degradation mechanisms

Abstract

Progression in nano technology enormously influence on the synthesis of highly proficient photo materials and investigate their applications in diverse fields. The CuBi2O4 and Ca0.05Cu0.95Bi2O4, Ca0.1Cu0.90Bi2O4, and Ca0.15Cu0.95Bi2O4 microspheres were prepared by one-step simple hydrothermal method. All the synthesized nanostructures were comprehensively characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. The composite was used in treating water contaminated by azo dye Congo red under visible light irradiation. The pure CuBi2O4 showed 46% of congo red degradation within 70 min of irradiation, while Ca0.1Cu0.95Bi2O4 showed 82% of photo degradation within 70 min of irradiation. Among all the synthesized materials the Ca0.1Cu0.95Bi2O4 showed best efficiency with high degradation constant using lest time. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic study of dye was studied under six operational parameters such as effect of dosage, initial concentration, pH, H2O2 and inorganic salts. The maximum photocatalytic activity was obtained 94% within 60 min of irradiation in the presence of 0.6 mL of H2O2. The obvious enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of Ca0.1Cu0.95Bi2O4 should be attributed to uniform dispersion and floating behaviour of the well-designed photocatalyst. As a result, the Ca0.1Cu0.95Bi2O4 photocatalyst with hierarchical porous structure would open an avenue for the treatment of wastewater.