Visible light-driven novel nanocomposite (BiVO4/CuCr2O4) for efficient degradation of organic dye

Abstract

In the present study, BiVO₄/CuCr₂O₄ nanocomposites synthesized via a chemical route are applied as a photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. The photocatalytic activity results indicated a substantial degradation of MB dye by ∼90% over the surface of nanocomposite catalyst under visible light illumination. The nanocomposite showed a photocatalytic activity for MB dye degradation which is three times higher compared to that of BiVO₄. This has been attributed to photogenerated electron–hole pair charge separation. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, an oxidizing reagent such as H₂O₂ was added to the photocatalytic system, which may act as an alternative electron scavenger and resulting in a notably enhanced rate of pollutant destruction. In addition, the effect of polyaniline has also been studied by synthesizing an organic/inorganic hybrid material (BiVO₄/CuCr₂O₄/PANI). It has been observed that 95% photodegradation of organic dye takes place on the nanocomposite surface with visible light. A possible mechanism explaining the origin of enhanced performance of nanocomposite and nanohybrid is proposed.