Synthesis, Characterization of Dy2NdSbO7/Bi2WO6 Heterojunction Photocatalyst and the Application for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Chlorpyrifos under Visible Light Irradiation

Abstract

A groundbreaking photocatalytic nanomaterial, Dy2NdSbO7, was fabricated smoothly using the hydrothermal synthesis technique for the first time. Apart from that, Dy2NdSbO7/Bi2WO6 heterojunction photocatalyst (DBHP) was initially fabricated using the solvothermal fabrication technique. X-ray diffractometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, Raman spectrometer, UV-visible spectrophotometer, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy have been applied to evaluate and investigate the thetastructure, morphology, and physicochemical properties of synthesized samples. The results confirmed that the pyrochlore-type crystal structures of Dy2NdSbO7 belonged to the Fd3m space group with the cubic crystal system and the β-pyrochlore-type crystal structures of Bi2WO6 which belonged to the Pca21 space group with orthorhombic crystal system. Under visible light exposure for 155 min (VLP-155min) using DBHP in the capacity of the photocatalytic nanomaterial, the removal efficiency of chlorpyrifos (CPS) saturation reached 100%. Comparison of CPS removal efficiency after VLP-155min revealed that DBHP exhibited higher removal efficiency than Dy2NdSbO7, Bi2WO6, or N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst, with removal efficiency 1.15 times, 1.23 times, or 2.55 times higher, respectively. Furthermore, the oxidizing capability of free radicals was investigated using trapping agents. Results demonstrated that superoxide anions exhibited the strongest oxidative capability, followed by hydroxyl radicals and holes. The results presented in this study lay a robust groundwork for future investigations and advancements in the field of highly efficient heterostructure material. These findings have significant implications for the development of environmental remediation strategies and provide valuable insights into sustainable solutions for addressing CPS contamination.