Photocatalytic oxidation of textile dye using sugarcane bagasse-Nb2O5 as a catalyst

This study reports the development of a new catalyst through green synthesis using Nb2O5 and sugarcane bagasse. The Nb2O5 semiconductor was immobilized in sugarcane bagasse with and without alkalis treatment and was further applied as a catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of reactive black 5 dye. The obtained material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEMEDS), and surface loads. The results indicated that the semiconductor was successfully immobilized in the biomass. The photocatalytic activity was carried out at pH around 5.8-6.2 at 25 ? using a LED lamp in the ultraviolet region (50 W, 375-380 nm). The high photoactivity of sugarcane-Nb2O5 without alkalis treatment was obtained, presenting a degradation range over 65% in 60 min. The contribution of photolysis, UV/H2O2, and adsorption for RB5 removal was lesser than 10% showing photocatalysis as the main mechanism of degradation. The sugarcane-Nb2O5 characteristics make it a promising sustainable catalyst.

Automated summary

This study reports the development of a new catalyst through green synthesis using Nb2O5 and sugarcane bagasse. The research shows that the Nb2O5 semiconductor was successfully immobilized in sugarcane bagasse, and the untreated sugarcane-Nb2O5 exhibited high photocatalytic activity.