PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF METHYLENE BLUE ON NANOSTRUCTURED COMPOSITES BASED ON TIO2-BI2O3

Abstract

Oxide systems based on mixtures TiO₂-Bi₂O₃ with various quantitative and phase compositions have been synthesized and their light absorption spectra were analyzed. These systems can reveal the quantum dimensional effects and exhibit photocatalytic activity in the reaction of photodegradation of methylene blue (MB). A complex investigation of the structure, spectral and photochemical properties of the oxide systems proved that low concentration of the dope (0.01-0.1 wt % of Bi(III)) causes rise in the light absorption value and higher intensity of the MB photodegradation. Further rise in the Bi(III) concentration results in formation of the amorphous Bi₂O₃ and decrease in the photocatalytic activity. An energy analysis of the oxide system has been provided and possible mechanism for the components interaction was proposed.