Integrating Ni, Pt, and Pd on Biphasic Cu-Doped Bi2O3 for Physicochemical Characteristics and Superior Light Driven Elimination of Pollutants

Fabrication of composite photocatalysts that provide an easy charge transfer mechanism to enhance the photocatalytic activity is a promising approach for the removal of organic contaminants from the water bodies. In this series, for the first time, we have decorated Ni, Pt, and Pd on the surface of hydrothermally synthesized Cu-doped biphasic Bi2O3. The synthesized composites were analyzed using advanced characterization techniques to uncover the physicochemical properties of the materials. The XRD results revealed well crystalline nature of the materials with enhanced particle size as compared to binary composite. The optical analysis showed the improved optical characteristics of ternary composites. The photocatalytic activity was tested against the RhB and observed the ternary materials with enhanced activity when compared with the binary composite and 5 wt% was the optimum loading of the metal on the surface of Cu- doped Bi2O3. Pd decorated samples showed the highest photo removal of RhB where complete mineralization of dye is achieved only in 50 min which is ascribed to the increased absorption and reduced reunion of charge carriers. The effect of pH of the reaction medium and the role of reactive oxygen species were also examined. In the acidic medium, complete degradation of dye is achieved in 10 min only and holes are found prominent active species for the degradation of RhB. The synthesized materials were stable and could be used many times without significant loss in the photocatalytic activity.