Research Article Open Access

Low-Temperature Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Nanorods BaBio3 Perovskite under Visible Light Irradiation

Abstract

Perovskite structured BaBiO3 was prepared at low temperature by polymeric precursor method (Pechini method). In this approach, metal nitrate, citric acid, and ethylene glycol were used as the source of metal, chelating agent and connecting agent respectively. The raw photocatalyst was activated at different temperatures. The structure and morphology of annealed samples were characterized by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UVDRS). The XRD patterns suggested that pure crystalline powder was obtained at 800 oC. The SEM images revealed the nano size and rod-like shape of BaBiO3 particles. The band gap energy was calculated from the UV-DRS and it was found to be 2.07 eV. The band gap and the crystal structure data suggest that this material can be used as photocatalyst in visible region. The photocatalytic activity of BaBiO3 was evaluated for the degradation of diclofenac drug (DCF) under indoor lamp illumination and solar radiation. The obtained results were also compared with Degussa P-25 TiO2 and comparison showed that BaBiO3 catalyst was more efficient in visible region. Additionally, the recycling experiments confirmed the attractive stability of the catalyst.

Dr.Seema Jain, Kavita Sharma, Dr.uttra Chandrawat

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