Low power photo-assisted catalytic degradation of azo dyes using 1-D BiOI: Optimization of the key physicochemical features

Flower-like spherical 1-D-BiOI nanoparticles were solvothermally synthesized and evaluated for the photocatalytic degradation of the azo dyes Methyl Orange (MO), Methylene Blue (MB), and Eriochrome Black-T (EBT) using ultra-low-power LED light. The soft white-light bulb positively affected the photo-assisted remediation efficiency. The tests showed that 1-D-BiOI removal efficiency against 12 mg/L dyes MO, MB, and EBT were 47.4, 66.1, and 86.7%, respectively. The optimum experimental parameters were determined by modeling and optimization using RSM. Scavenging tests indicated that •OH are the main responsible species. COD was increased initially during light irradiation and then decreased by dye mineralization.