Nanorods of α-Bi2O3 for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract In this study, monoclinic bismuth oxide (α-Bi2O3) was synthesized using in the presence and absence of surfactant, and its performance was compared for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. The usage of surfactant alters the morphology of α-Bi2O3/P123 as nanorods. XRD and Raman Spectroscopy analysis confirms the monoclinic phase of the prepared catalyst and the SEM shows cubes with nano whiskers. TEM image confirms nanorods for the surfactant aided synthesis of α-Bi2O3/P123 which plays a significant role in the degradation of methylene blue. Nanorods of α-Bi2O3/P123 shows 95% photo catalytic degradation of methylene blue than compared to 84% for α-Bi2O3 and 78% for P25. The effect of catalyst loading, kinetics of degradation and the comparison of performance with the standard catalyst were reported.