Improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic removal of Bisphenol A using V2O5/WO3 decorated over Zeolite: Degradation mechanism and toxicity

WO3/Zeolite/V2O5 (TZV) composite synthesized through co-precipitation was used for the degradation of Bisphenol-A (BpA). XRD and Raman spectra were employed to ascertain the crystallinity of the composite. The pristine nature of the compound without any free particles over the zeolite surface was established through FESEM, thus, substantiating the composite character of the material. The enhancement in activity after doping with WO3 was ascertained by DRS-UV. Photocatalytic degradation studies clearly established the superiority of TZV 10 over bare V2O5 . Complete BpA degradation (100%) was attained at 50 min of incubation with 0.75 g/L TZV-10 in acidic medium (pH 3) for an initial BpA concentration of 100 mg/L. HPLC-MS/MS analysis was used to decipher the degradation pathway. The catalyst was stable even after 9 cycles. Phytotoxicity studies and lake water treatment results proved the environmental efficiency of the synthesized material.

Automated summary

The WO3/Zeolite/V2O5 (TZV) composite synthesized through co-precipitation showed excellent degradation efficiency for Bisphenol-A (BpA) compared to bare V2O5. The composite had high crystallinity and no free particles on the zeolite surface. Photocatalytic degradation studies and material analysis demonstrated the high efficiency and stability of the composite, as well as its environmental friendliness.