Synthesis, characterization of Bi/ZnO and its photoactivity towards TB, AR 27 & RR 120 degradation under UV-A light

Bare and hexagonal wurtzite Bismuth loaded ZnO (Bi/ZnO) nanostructures have been prepared successfully by a simple solvothermal method. The structure and composition of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL), cyclic voltammograms (CV) and BET surface area measurements. In the present work, the photocatalytic degradation of Trypan blue (TB), Acid Red 27 (AR 27) and Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) dyes with prepared heterogeneous photocatalyst under the UV-A light. Bi/ZnO was found to be more proficient in the degradation of TB, AR 27 and RR 120 dyes than bare, commercial ZnO and Bi2O3. The mineralization of these three dyes have been confirmed by Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) measurements. A possible mechanism was proposed for Bi/ZnO under UV light. This catalyst can be reused and it provides more stability.