Effect of temperature and time on the hydrothermal synthesis of WO3-AgCl photocatalysts regarding photocatalytic activity

Author(s)

Palharim, Priscila Hasse ; Caira, Maria Clara D'Amaro ; Gusmao, Carolina de Araujo ; Ramos, Bruno ; dos Santos, Gabriel Trindade ; Rodrigues Jr, Orlando ; Teixeira, Antonio Carlos Silva Costa

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN; v. 188, p. 19-pg., 2022-11-03.

Abstract

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an important and promising alternative for efficient water and wastewater treatment processes. The synthesis of composite materials has attracted attention due to their improved photocatalytic activity and stability. In the present work, composites made of WO3-AgCl were synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The evaluation of the effects of reaction temperature and synth-esis time for this composite is reported for the first time. The materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, BET, UV-vis DRS, XPS, EPR and PL. All photocatalysts showed broad-spectrum activity due to their strong absorption in the UV region and some ab-sorption in the visible region. The morphology of the materials was highly influenced by the synthesis temperature and time, which affected the photocatalytic efficiency. All materials exhibited good photocatalytic activity under simulated sunlight, with maximum acetaminophen removal of 99.6% for the catalyst synthesized at 120 degrees C and 12 h. Stability tests showed considerable stability after four cycles. The main reactive species partici-pating in the photodegradation reaction were found to be O2 center dot-> h+ similar to center dot OH. The hetero-junction formed between AgCl and WO3 plays an important role in the photocatalytic activity, especially when the AgCl surface is not completely covered by WO3.(c) 2022 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/24158-9 - Environmental fate of emerging pollutants in surface waters and sustainable alternatives for their mitigation: a hybrid experimental & theoretical approach
• Grantee: Antonio Carlos Silva Costa Teixeira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants