Lithium Manganese Oxide (Li2MnO3) as a promising photocatalyst for the degradation of Eriochrome Black T

Abstract

Wastewater pollution caused by toxic dyes from the textile industry is a global challenge, threatening agricultural productivity, food security, and access to clean water for livestock. In recent years, photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants using semiconducting materials has emerged as a promising approach for sustainable wastewater treatment. We present a cost-effective synthesis method for lithium manganese oxide (Li₂MnO₃), which aggregate to form a densely packed microcrystalline powder, with smooth-stone morphology, and monoclinic crystal structure. Optical characterization reveals broad visible light absorption, strong infrared reflectance and an optical bandgap of 2.1 eV, suggesting potential applications in radiation-resistant coatings. Moreover, the obtained Li₂MnO₃ material effectively degraded Eriochrome Black T, a common textile dye, with efficiencies up to 73% for 5 × 10⁻⁵ M solutions, under illumination at 625 nm, within 60 min. These findings underscore the potential of Li₂MnO₃ nanostructured microcrystals for wastewater treatment applications.