Photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet by AgBiO 3 /rGO-CNT nanocomposite under visible light irradiation

Abstract

The synthesis and design of nanocomposite have been attracted to reducing environmental pollution. This study developed a combination of silver bismuthate (AgBiO3) and reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (rGO-CNT) through the hydrothermal method to evaluate its photocatalytic activity for the removal of crystal violet (CV) dye under visible light. The AgBiO3/rGO-CNT nanocomposite is investigated using a comprehensive range of analytical techniques, including XRD, Raman, FTIR, UV–Vis, FESEM, TEM, HRTEM, EDX, XPS and BET. The results show that the rGO-CNT is decorated very well using AgBiO3 nanoparticles due to the increased interaction. FESEM and TEM analysis revealed a square-shaped AgBiO3 anchored on an rGO-CNT nanocomposite. The nanocomposite’s band gap was 2.12 eV, determined through a Tauc plot, which displayed the material’s band edges. The pH of the solution, the amount of catalyst and the initial concentration of CV were investigated to determine the optimum conditions for adsorption. The AgBiO3/rGO-CNT nanocomposite exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity due to its excellent charge separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and effective absorption of visible light, suggesting a promising solution for reducing environmental pollution.