Insights into Ag₂SeO₃ synthesis using the sonochemical method, for wastewater treatment: pH-tunable morphology

Author(s)

Moreno, H. ; Ramirez, M. A. ; Teodoro, M. D. ; Simoes, A. Z. ; Longo, E.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Materials Letters; v. 396, p. 5-pg., 2025-10-01.

Abstract

This study investigates how pH influences the synthesis of Ag2SeO3 via a sonochemical route. Morphologies ranged from sheet- to rod-like particles, with slightly acidic conditions (pH 5) favoring smaller sheet-like structures. All samples exhibited high photocatalytic efficiency toward Rhodamine B degradation under UV light, achieving degradation rates of similar to 98.8 % (ASOpH2), 99.2 % (ASOpH5), and 83.4 % (ASOpH12) within 45 min. Photolysis alone accounted for a maximum of 12.5 % (4.68 x 10(-4) min(-1)) over 120 min. In 45 min, ASOpH5 demonstrated the best performance (99.2 %, 1.01 x 10(-1) min(-1)) governed by center dot OH cleavage of RhB's aromatic ring, outperforming ASOpH2 (98.8 %, 8.57 x 10(-2) min(-1)), ASOpH12 (83.4 %, 5.62 x 10(-2) min(-1)). Enhanced PL intensity and red-shift in ASOpH5 suggest that increased oxygen vacancies boosted excited electron density near the conduction band, explaining its superior photocatalytic activity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 23/11583-9 - Development of Ag2SeO3-based semiconductors for antibiotic photodegradation: an innovative approach to enhance effluent treatment technologies
• Grantee: Henrique Piccoli Moreno
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/10340-2 - Scientific MUE: acquisition of a high temporal, spatial and spectral resolution fluorescence system operating over a wide temperature range
• Grantee: Gilmar Eugenio Marques
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Scientific