Green route to Prussian blue nanoparticles with high degradation efficiency of RhB under visible light

Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) have been synthesized by using beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) as a surfactant and ethyl alcohol as a green solvent. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) to analyse the structure, morphology, surface elements, specific surface area and porosity, respectively. It was found that the specific surface area of PB-120 was 90.527 m(2) g(-1). When the as-prepared PBNPs were applied as heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts, they exhibit high catalytic efficiency and stability of degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light in neutral system. The catalytic degradation of 25 mg L-1RhB by PB-120 only needed 15 min, while the high degradation rate (83%) of RhB after 4 cycles of degradation could be achieved. The as-prepared PBNPs may be employed as excellent catalysts to degrade organic pollution. Graphic abstract

Automated summary

The study synthesized Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) using beta-cyclodextrin and ethyl alcohol, and found that PB-120 exhibited a specific surface area of 90.527 m(2)g(-1) and showed high catalytic efficiency in degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light in a neutral system. PBNPs may serve as excellent catalysts for degrading organic pollution.