Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye using dysprosium oxide/bismuth oxide nanocomposite

Aim: In the present study, we reported a facile synthesis of new Dy2O3/Bi2O3 nanocomposite and examined its photocatalytic activity by studying degradation of methylene blue dye under UV irradiation. Methodology: Nano-catalyst was synthesised in situ wet chemical method and it was characterised by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fluorescence spectroscopy, Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and UV spectroscopy. Effects of degradation reaction parameters like initial dye concentration, photocatalyst load and pH of the effluent solution on the rate of degradation were studied. Results: It was found that maximum percentage degradation was achieved at 60 ppm initial dye concentration with a catalyst load of 0.5 g l(-1) and at neutral pH conditions. For degradation of 100 ppm of methylene blue solution, catalyst load of 0.5 g l(-1) proved to be optimum at pH 7. Studies on the effect of pH indicates that the percentage degradation of dye increased as the pH of the solution increased. Interpretation: It was found that the removal of dye with the prepared catalyst was highest at alkaline pH. The optical studies showed that Dy2O3/Bi2O3 nanocomposite could be an effective photocatalyst than Bi2O3.