Simple sonochemical synthesis, characterization of TmVO4 nanostructure in the presence of Schiff-base ligands and investigation of its potential in the removal of toxic dyes

Thulium vanadate (TmVO4) nanorods were successfully prepared by a simple sonochemical approach using Schiff-base ligands. Additionally, TmVO4 nanorods were employed as a photocatalyst. The most optimal crystal structure and morphology of TmVO4 have been determined and optimized by varying Schiff-base ligands, the molar ratio of H2Salen, the sonication time and power, and the calcination time. A Eriochrome Black T (EBT) analysis revealed that the specific surface area was 24.91 m2/g. A bandgap of 2.3 eV was determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) spectroscopy, which makes this compound suitable for visible photocatalytic applications. In order to assess the photocatalytic performance under visible light, two anionic dyes (EBT) and cationic dyes (Methyl Violet (MV)) were used as models. A variety of factors have been studied in order to improve the efficiency of the photocatalytic reaction, including dye type, pH, dye concentration, and catalyst loading. Under visible light, the highest efficiency was achieved (97.7%) when 45 mg TmVO4 nanocatalysts were present in 10 ppm Eriochorome Black T at pH = 10.

Automated summary

Thulium vanadate (TmVO4) nanorods were synthesized using Schiff-base ligands through a sonochemical method, and they exhibited promising photocatalytic activity. The crystal structure and morphology of TmVO4 were optimized by varying the Schiff-base ligands, H2Salen molar ratio, sonication time and power, and calcination time. The specific surface area was determined to be 24.91 m2/g, and the bandgap was found to be 2.3 eV, indicating its potential for visible light photocatalytic applications. The highest efficiency of 97.7% was achieved under visible light when 45 mg TmVO4 nanocatalysts were present in 10 ppm Eriochorome Black T solution at pH = 10.