Enhanced UV-light active α-Bi2O3 nanoparticles for the removal of methyl orange and ciprofloxacin

This study successfully synthesized alpha-Bi2O3 nanoparticles using a grinding method. XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis DRS, and Raman spectroscopy were used to determine the structure and optical properties of the sample. The XRD and Raman results of the Bismuth Trioxide prepared led us to believe that it had a hexagonal structure. Furthermore, the EDXRF and EDX results indicate that the synthesized material is highly pure and impurity-free. In the presence of ultraviolet light, Bi2O3 nanoparticles exhibit superior photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Methyl Orange (MO) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP). It is estimated that 87% of CIP can be removed after 100 min and 95% of MO after 150 min. In accordance with the TOC removal report, 67.73% of CIP had been removed after 200 min and 77.86% had been removed after 280 min. Additionally, a four-cycle treatment did not significantly change the activity of the catalyst.

Automated summary

Alpha-Bi2O3 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a grinding method, and their structure and purity were confirmed through various characterization techniques. The nanoparticles exhibited superior photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Methyl Orange and Ciprofloxacin under ultraviolet light.