MnO2 decorated silicon nanowires: A novel photocatalyst for improved Rhodamine B removal under visible light exposure

Pollution triggered by organic dyes is a prominent global concern. Thus, it is imperative to devise an effective preventative strategy to tackle this matter. Herein, using the chemical electroless deposition process, a novel SiNWs/MnO₂ photocatalyst was successfully manufactured for efficacious photocatalytic purification under visible lighting. Through a series of characterization techniques, the structural, morphological, compositional, and optical features of MnO₂-deposited silicon nanowires were thoroughly investigated. The photocatalytic ability of the resultant sample was reckoned by degrading Rhodamine B upon visible exposure. Following 180 min of brightness, the findings found that SiNWs/MnO₂ displayed remarkable effectiveness, with a lessening of 93.4 %. The findings demonstrated a significant enhancement in degradation performance linked to the rising surface area and enhanced electron-hole segregation efficiency provided by silicon nanowires. Also, the sample's recyclability was assessed, exhibiting an encouraging sustainability with a slight fall in effectiveness (∼10%) after 6 straight utilizes. Furthermore, scavenging tests have shown that •OH and •O₂⁻ were prevalent species accountable for the RhB degradation reaction. Eventually, founded on the results, a plausible mechanism for RhB decomposition was suggested. Altogether, given the straightforward manufacturing method and impressive performance, the study argues that the novel SiNWs/MnO₂ might be an intriguing photocatalyst for water contaminant remediation.