Controllable synthesis of semiconducting anatase TiO2 nanostructures for visible light driven photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet and methylene blue dye

Abstract

The colorant dyes represent significant sources of non-aesthetic contamination and have the potential to generate hazardous byproducts via processes such as oxidation, hydrolysis, or other chemical transformations. Consequently, it is imperative to eliminate them from the water before their introduction into the ecosystem. In this study, we have been synthesised anatase TiO₂ photocatalyst by simple chemical co-precipitation method at low temperatures. These obtained nanoparticles are utilized for the degradation of crystal violet (CV), methylene blue (MB) dye under direct sunlight irradiation, exhibiting remarkable efficiency in the photocatalytic degradation of dyes, achieving complete degradation within 30 min. The as-synthesised anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles has been characterised by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, UV–Visible spectra, SEM, TEM and EDAX, BET etc. Hydroxyl radicals prove to be more efficient than other reactive species in scavenger experiments. The synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles demonstrate outstanding reusability for up to ten cycles.