Photoinduced Reactions between Pb3O4 and Organic Dyes in Aqueous Solution under Visible Light

Pb3O4 could react with organic dyes in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation, in which Pb3O4 was transformed into Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 along with oxidation of the organic dyes. Cu2+ has considerable effect on the reaction. In the presence of Cu2+, MO (20 ppm) and RhB (10–5 mol L–1) were completely degraded under visible light within 6 and 20 min, respectively, while both Pb3O4 and Cu2+ keep almost stable during photodegradation. The mechanisms of the reactions with and without Cu2+ ions were studied. The photochemical system of Pb3O4 cooperating with Cu2+ ions is probably used for the treatment of organic pollutants in water under visible light.