Dramatic change in the photocatalytic activity of nanocrystalline La1-xNaxFeO3 (x=0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) perovskite oxides by the incorporation of Cu for effective removal of dyes

Wastewater treatment is a major issue that must be addressed since it damages nature and has a negative impact on living creatures. Dyes are the top most organic pollutants in wastewater that poses serious dangers to human health and the environment today. Therefore, the aim of this study is to eliminate these colored effluents, which are present in substantial amounts in wastewater, either singly or in mixtures. In this contest, we are reporting the synthesis of nano photocatalysts La1-xNaxFeO3 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) via sol-gel process and their corresponding Cu composite analogues by a simple chemical reduction method for the removal of dyes in aqueous solution. The prepared photocatalysts were thoroughly characterised using PXRD, BET, SEM, UV-DRS and VSM to investigate the structural, morphological, optical and magnetic properties. All the magnetic parameters (MS, MR & HC) increase with Na doping in both bare and nano -composites. The photocatalytic activity of La1-xNaxFeO3 nano catalysts and their Cu composites was assessed through the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye in aqueous solution under visible light. The outcomes exhibited that Cu nano composites showed excellent photocatalytic activity compared to the pristine materials due to their low band gap energies (1.61 eV). Moreover, the most active photocatalyst LaFeO3@Cu showed excellent stability after five runs, which demonstrated good stability and reusability. Because of exciting photocatalytic results, the study was further extended to the degradation of a few other organic dye contaminants such methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO) and their mixture using LaFeO3@Cu catalyst. (c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Wastewater treatment is crucial due to its harmful effects on nature and living creatures. Dyes, especially organic pollutants, pose serious risks to human health and the environment in wastewater. This study focuses on removing these colored effluents from wastewater, both individually and in mixtures. Nano photocatalysts La1-xNaxFeO3 and their Cu composites were synthesized and characterized for their structural, morphological, optical, and magnetic properties. The Cu nano composites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity, attributed to their low band gap energies. The stability and reusability of the most active photocatalyst, LaFeO3@Cu, were demonstrated. Additionally, the study extended its scope to the degradation of other organic dye contaminants using the same catalyst. (c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.