A theoretical and experimental approach for photocatalytic degradation of caffeic acid using BiOBr microspheres

This study describes theoretical and experimental considerations to optimize the photocatalytic degradation of caffeic acid in water using 3D-BiOBr based materials under visible light irradiation. Three BiOBr materials were synthesized through the solvothermal method using different bromide sources, namely potassium bromide (KBr) and the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide. Morphological and chemical changes were observed in IL based 3D-BiOBr materials. The theoretical optimization of the experimental conditions in heterogeneous photocatalysis tests (pH and dose of catalyst) were simulated using the MODDE 12.0.1 software. A central composite design (CCD) was applied to obtain a response surface to elucidate the optimal conditions. This model predicted that the maximum photocatalytic degradation can be achieved at pH of 6.7 and a photocatalyst dose of 344 mg L-1. The optimal experimental conditions were tested using the three synthesized 3D-BiOBr materials. The results showed that the highest degradation efficiency and mineralization yield were obtained using the BiOBr microspheres synthesized with the IL at 145 degrees C.

Automated summary

This study optimized the photocatalytic degradation of caffeic acid in water using 3D-BiOBr materials under visible light irradiation through theoretical and experimental considerations. Three BiOBr materials were synthesized using different bromide sources, with IL-based material showing the highest efficiency. The optimal conditions were determined through modeling and experimental testing, with BiOBr microspheres synthesized with IL at 145 degrees C demonstrating the best performance.