Photocatalytic activity of (Er2O3)x(Yb2O3)y(Bi2O3)1-x-y ternary compounds used as heterogeneous semiconductor

Abstract In this study, bismuth oxide ternary compounds, (Er2O3)x(Yb2O3)y(Bi2O3)1-x-y, were synthesized at 800 °C annealing temperature with different stoichiometric ratios by the solid-state reaction method. Synthesized ternary compounds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential. The synergic effect of (Er2O3)/(Yb2O3)/(Bi2O3) ternary compounds was investigated for photocatalytic oxidation of an azo dye Crystal Violet (CV), also known as C.I. Basic Violet 3, in aqueous solutions. The influence of stoichiometric ratios of Er3+ and Yb3+ doping on Bi3+, powder loading, and dye concentration were systematically investigated. A complete CV decolorization (5 mg/L initial dye concentration) was obtained by 8Er15YbSB mol/mol% at 4 g/L powder loading for 30 min. (Er2O3)/(Yb2O3)/(Bi2O3) ternary compounds reusability was also tested during 5 cycles and ternary compounds remained half of its activity even when in fourth reuse.