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This study aims to elucidate the possible application of cobalt aluminate nanoparticles (CoAl 2 O 4) as a photocatalyst for the removal of organic dyes. The sol-gel method was employed to synthesise Nd x /CoAl 2 O 4 nanoparticles with varying weight percentages (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 wt %). The experimental investigation focused on the photocatalytic destruction of colour, employing a visible light irradiation source. The structural and optical properties of the synthesised nanoparticle were examined through various analytical techniques, including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Ultra Violet-Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Tunnelling Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The cubic spinel structure was confirmed through the study of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the Nd x /CoAl 2 O 4 nanoparticles. For the compositions x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6, the nanoparticles exhibited average crystallite sizes of 23.73, 22.99, 21.69, and 21.65 nm, respectively. The synthesised nanoparticle exhibited heterogeneous photocatalytic potential when employed as a model pollutant for the oxidative destruction of crystal violet dye. The experimental findings validated that the CoAl 2 O 4 nanoparticle exhibited a dye degradation rate of 64 % during a 100-min timeframe. Additionally, the 0.6 wt % Nd CoAl 2 O 4 nanoparticle shows a quick dye degradation rate of 91 % for crystal violet dyes when exposed to visible light sources. Hence, the synthesised nanoparticle exhibits catalytic activity and holds potential for utilisation in the treatment of hazardous contaminants in industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of efficient perovskite photo-Fenton catalytic systems is recognized as an effective strategy for clean water production. However, modifying perovskite catalysts effectively remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we prepared Bi-doped LaFeO 3 photo-Fenton catalysts using a facile microwave-assisted method. Various characterization techniques confirmed the successful formation of these Bi-doped LaFeO 3 perovskite materials. The photo-Fenton activity of the Bi-doped LaFeO 3 perovskite materials with varying Bi content was assessed by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye solution. Remarkably, the optimized Bi-doped LaFeO 3 (referred to as LBFO3) catalyst achieved approximately 93.64% degradation of MB within 100 min of visible light exposure, demonstrating exceptional efficacy in treating wastewater containing organic dye pollutants. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the LBFO3 perovskite materials arises from the incorporation of Bi, leading to an expanded optical absorption range, increased specific surface area, and enhanced separation and migration of photo-generated carriers. Importantly, the LBFO3 photo-Fenton system exhibited remarkable stability during four successive cycling treatments, indicating promising practical applications. Additionally, quenching experiments were conducted to elucidate electron transfer in the LBFO3 catalyst related to the photo-Fenton degradation mechanism of MB. This study might pave the way toward designing novel perovskite based photo-Fenton systems for highly efficient degradation of waterborne contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the Mg2+-doped anatase TiO2 phase was synthesized via the solvothermal method by changing the ratio of deionized water and absolute ethanol Vwater/Vethanol). This enhances the bleaching efficiency under visible light. The crystal structure, morphology, and photocatalytic properties of Mg-doped TiO2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption, UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis, etc. Results showed that the photocatalytic activity of the Mg2+-doped TiO2 sample was effectively improved, and the morphology, specific surface area, and porosity of TiO2 could be controlled by Vwater/Vethanol. Compared with the Mg-undoped TiO2 sample, Mg-doped TiO2 samples have higher photocatalytic properties due to pure anatase phase formation. The Mg-doped TiO2 sample was synthesized at Vwater/Vethanol of 12.5:2.5, which has the highest bleaching rate of 99.5% for the rhodamine B dye during 80 min under visible light. Adding Mg2+-doped TiO2 into the phase-separated glaze is an essential factor for enhancing the self-cleaning capability. The glaze samples fired at 1180 °C achieved a water contact angle of 5.623° at room temperature and had high stain resistance (the blot floats as a whole after meeting the water). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The exploration of emerging photocatalysts like covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is an essential but challenging endeavor to find sustainable solutions for selective organic transformations. Anthraquinones are envisaged to construct COFs for visible light photocatalysis because their derivatives are employed industrially as oxidation catalysts or organic dyes. Herein, an anthraquinone COF, TpAQ-COF, is successfully constructed with 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) and 2,6-diaminoanthraquinone (AQ). Then, the selective oxidation of amines over TpAQ-COF is implemented. Amines can be effectively converted into corresponding imines over TpAQ-COF powered with green light and oxygen, during which superoxide radical anion is discerned as the pivotal reactive oxygen species. This work suggests that COFs could inherit the advantages of molecular building blocks for selective reactions powered with broad visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To simulate natural photosynthesis, scientists have developed an artificial Z-scheme system that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using two different semiconductors. Researchers are striving to improve the performance of Z-scheme systems by improving light absorption, developing redox couples with high stability, and finding new cocatalysts. Here, we report the synthesis and utilization of LaFeO3/g-C3N4 as a Z-scheme system for water reduction to produce hydrogen and organic dye degradation under visible light irradiation. The as-fabricated photocatalyst revealed exceptional activity for H2 production (i.e., 351 µmol h−1g−1), which is 14.6 times higher compared to that of the single-component g-C3N4 (i.e., 24 µmol h−1g−1). In addition, the composite photocatalyst degraded 87% of Methylene Blue (MB) and 94% of Rhodamine B (RhB) in 2 h. Various experimental analyses confirmed that the exceptional performance of the LaFeO3/g-C3N4 Z-scheme catalyst is due to remarkably enhanced charge carrier separation and improved light absorption. The development of this highly effective Z-scheme heterostructure photocatalyst will pave the way for the sustainable development of newly designed Z-scheme scheme systems that will tackle energy and environmental crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient eco-friendly photocatalytic method was developed for the synthesis of pharmaceutically highly sought-after quinoxalines. This route is a simple condensation between o-phenylenediamine and an α-hydroxy ketone in methanol at room temperature in the presence of the organic dye Rose Bengal (4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-2',4',5',7'-tetraiodofluorescein) as a photocatalyst. Using this protocol, a library of examples with various ophenylenediamines and α-hydroxy ketones was prepared. This is a practically useful method for the development of quinoxaline derivatives of biological importance in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel photocatalyst composed of bismuth molybdate (Bi 2 MoO 6 , BMO) coupled with rhodium (Rh) nanoparticles was synthesized and evaluated for its efficiency in degrading dye contaminant under visible light irradiation. The BMO/Rh composite demonstrated a significant enhancement in photocatalytic performance, achieving a 40 % higher degradation rate of Rhodamine B (RhB) compared to bare BMO. Enhanced charge separation and reduced electron-hole recombination were primarily attributed to the synergistic effects introduced by the Rh nanoparticles. Extensive characterization techniques provided insights into the structural and mechanistic aspects of the photocatalyst. Stability tests confirmed that BMO/Rh maintained over 95 % of its initial activity after five consecutive reaction cycles, highlighting its durability. Scavenger experiments identified superoxide radicals (•O 2 -) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) as the primary active species, contributing to the high efficiency of dye degradation. This study underscores the potential of BMO/Rh hybrids as sustainable and effective photocatalysts for environmental remediation. • Enhanced a BMO/Rh photocatalyst that improves dye degradation by 40 % under visible light. • Achieved improved charge separation with Rh nanoparticles, reducing electron-hole recombination. • Maintained over 95 % photocatalytic activity after five cycles, demonstrating high stability. • Quantified active radicals' roles in improving dye degradation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, CoFe2O4 and TiO2 nanoparticles were primarily made using the sol-gel method, and subsequently, the hybrid magnetic composites of TiO2 loaded with CoFe2O4 (5–15 percent w/w) were made using a hydrothermal procedure. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were all used to thoroughly characterize the materials. Additionally, the zero-charge point (ZCP) determination, the examination of the pore structure by nitrogen adsorption, and an evaluation of magnetic properties were performed. Six organic dye pollutants were selected to evaluate the performance of the synthesized nanocomposites toward photocatalytic degradation, including methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), crystal violet (CV), acridine orange (AO), rhodamine B (RhB), and rhodamine 6G (R-6G). Photodegradation of tetracycline (TL), a model pharmaceutical pollutant, was also studied under UV and visible light. The composites exhibited a high degradation performance in all cases without using any oxidants. The photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline revealed that the CoFe2O4/TiO2 (5% w/w) composite exhibited a higher photocatalytic activity than either pure TiO2 or CoFe2O4, and thus attained 75.31% and 50.4% degradation efficiency under UV and visible light, respectively. Trapping experiments were conducted to investigate the photodegradation mechanism, which revealed that holes and super oxide radicals were the most active species in the photodegradation process. Finally, due to the inherent magnetic attributes of the composites, their easy removal from the treated solution via a simple magnet became possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To simulate natural photosynthesis, scientists have developed an artificial Z-scheme system that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using two different semiconductors. Researchers are striving to improve the performance of Z-scheme systems by improving light absorption, developing redox couples with high stability, and finding new cocatalysts. Here, we report the synthesis and utilization of LaFeO3/g-C3N4 as a Z-scheme system for water reduction to produce hydrogen and organic dye degradation under visible light irradiation. The as-fabricated photocatalyst revealed exceptional activity for H2 production (i.e., 351 µmol h−1g−1), which is 14.6 times higher compared to that of the single-component g-C3N4 (i.e., 24 µmol h−1g−1). In addition, the composite photocatalyst degraded 87% of Methylene Blue (MB) and 94% of Rhodamine B (RhB) in 2 h. Various experimental analyses confirmed that the exceptional performance of the LaFeO3/g-C3N4 Z-scheme catalyst is due to remarkably enhanced charge carrier separation and improved light absorption. The development of this highly effective Z-scheme heterostructure photocatalyst will pave the way for the sustainable development of newly designed Z-scheme scheme systems that will tackle energy and environmental crises.

In this present work, a novel CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 nanocomposites has been fabricated via hydrothermal-assisted synthesis using Ulva lactuca L. extract as both a reducing and capping agent A comprehensive investigation such as structural, morphological, optical, and electronic properties of the CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 NCs were investigated in details. The photocatalytic efficacy of the prepared CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 NCs was assessed for Congo red (CR) dye degradation and the experimental results demonstrate the CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 NCs exhibits superior photocatalytic activity (91.13% k=0.03289 min−1) compared to pure CuO and ZnFe 2 O 4 catalysts under 120 min of visible light irradiation. Additionally, the CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 NCs exhibited excellent long-term recycling stability over four consecutive cycles. This enhanced photocatalytic performance of CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 NCs was attributed to the synergism between CuO and ZnFe 2 O 4 , which facilitate the exceptional properties such as large specific area, a wide visible-light absorption range, and efficient electron-hole separation. Furthermore, the prepared CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 NCs were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial and anticancer properties. The results of the disc diffusion assay with CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 NCs as an antibacterial agent demonstrated a highest zone of inhibition of 18.23 ± 0.30 mm for Bacillus subtilis and 19.83 ± 0.76 mm Escherichia coli. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity assessments using the MTT assay indicated a 64.94% cytotoxic activity against HT-29 colon cancer cells. The multifunctional advantages of Ulva lactuca L. extract-mediated green CuO/ZnFe 2 O 4 NCs hold significant promise for environmental remediation and in vitro -based therapeutic applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, novel visible light active graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)/sepiolite fiber (CN/SS) composites were fabricated via a facile calcination route, exploiting melamine and thiourea as precursors, and sepiolite fiber as support, for efficient degradation of organic dye methylene blue (MB). The as-prepared CN/SS composites were characterized by various characterization techniques based on structural and microstructural analyses. The effects of CN loading amount, catalyst dosage and initial concentration of dye on the removal rate of dye under visible light were systematically studied. The removal rate of MB was as high as 99.5%, 99.6% and 99.6% over the composites when the CN loading amount, catalyst dosage and initial concentration of dye were 20% (mass percent), 0.1 g, and 15 mg/L in 120 min, respectively. The active species scavenging experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurement indicated that the holes (h+), hydroxyl radical (·OH) and superoxide radicals (·O2−) were the main active species. This study provides for the design of low-cost, environmentally friendly and highly efficient catalysts for the removal of organic dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel octahedral distorted coordination complex was formed from a copper transition metal with a bidentate ligand (1,10-Phenanthroline) and characterized by Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plot analyses were conducted to determine the interactions between atoms in the Cu(II) complex. DFT calculations showed that the central copper ion and its coordinated atoms have an octahedral geometry. The Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) map indicated that the copper (II) complex is an electrophilic compound that can interact with negatively charged macromolecules. The HOMO-LUMO analysis demonstrated the π nature charge transfer from acetate to phenanthroline. The band gap of [Cu(phen) 2 (OAc)]·PF 6 photocatalyst was estimated to be 2.88 eV, confirming that this complex is suitable for environmental remediation. The photocatalytic degradation of erythrosine, malachite green, methylene blue, and Eriochrome Black T as model organic pollutants using the prepared complex was investigated under visible light. The [Cu(phen) 2 (OAc)]·PF 6 photocatalyst exhibited degradation 94.7, 90.1, 82.7, and 74.3 % of malachite green, methylene blue, erythrosine, and Eriochrome Black T, respectively, under visible illumination within 70 min. The results from the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic analysis demonstrated that the Cu(II) complex has a higher efficiency for the degradation of cationic pollutants than the anionic ones. This was attributed to surface charge attraction between photocatalyst and cationic dyes promoting removal efficiency. The reusability test indicated that the photocatalyst could be utilized in seven consecutive photocatalytic degradation cycles with an insignificant decrease in efficiency. [Display omitted] • The photocatalytic activity of copper (II) complex was evaluated for degradation of organic dyes. • Effective degradation of pollutants was achieved under excitation by visible-light. • Rod-like [Cu(phen) 2 (OAc)]·PF 6 complex shows excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity. • Rod-like [Cu(phen) 2 (OAc)]·PF 6 complex was analyzed by DFT method to predict reactive sites and band gap energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of a p-n heterojunction photocatalyst manage to conquer the setbacks of low photocatalytic activity caused by rapid charge recombination and precarious photo-response range. Herein, an interlayer of expanded MoS 2 coupled with Bi 2 WO 6 (BW-IEM) photocatalyst was synthesized for removal of Methylene Blue (MB) up to 97% (5.18 ×10−2 min−1) under irradiation of low power 1 W LED white light. The outstanding photocatalytic performance of the p-n heterojunctions BW-IEM photocatalyst is mainly attributed to the enhancement of light harvesting, improvement in the separation of charge carriers, and coexistence of oxygen vacancy. The main reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for the photodegradation of MB were •O 2 - radicals and •OH. This work provides a new strategy for the potential IEM photocatalyst as a matrix in a p-n heterojunction composite. [Display omitted] • p-n heterojunctions of interlayer expanded MoS 2 coupled with Bi 2 WO 6. • 4% BW-IEM shows excellent LED white light driven photocatalytic activity. • Bi 2 WO 6 and oxygen vacancy enhances the separation of photogenerated carries. • •O 2 - and •OH radicals are the main reactive oxygen species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the zinc oxide-decorated graphitic carbon nitride composite (ZnO/gC 3 N 4 – ZCN) was synthesized for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in aqueous media. Particularly, ZnO was fabricated by the calcination method with the assistance of Garcinia mangostana pericarp extract as a stabilizer and reducing agent, while graphitic carbon nitride (gC 3 N 4 – CN) was prepared by the calcination method and exfoliated using a strong oxidizer mixture. Characterization results showed ZnO possesses a spherical shape with an average diameter of 30–80 nm and is distributed evenly on the CN sheets. Subsequently, ZCN was subjected to photodegradation towards methylene blue (MB), which indicated that under optimal conditions of 50 mg of catalyst, pH 9, and 10 mg/L of MB concentration, the overall efficiency reached up to 99.16 % after 180 min of visible irradiation. Additionally, ZCN also possesses the degradation ability for other organic dyes, for instance, malachite green (MG) and methyl orange (MO) with an overall efficiency of 96.42 and 57.57 %, respectively. Moreover, the radical scavenging experiments elucidated that the major responsible component for the photodegradation was the photogenerated holes, while other radicals also facilitated the process. Besides, the reusability of the material was excellent as only 10 % of the yield decreased after five cycles. The aforementioned findings reveal the notable potential applications of the ZCN material in the environmental remedial field. [Display omitted] • The ZnO/gC 3 N 4 composite was biosynthesized with the aid of sonication. • The spherical ZnO distributed evenly on the gC 3 N 4 exfoliation sheet. • The composite exhibited great methylene blue photodegradation under visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work demonstrates a facile hydrothermal synthesis of Plasmonic Au–TiO 2 nanocatalyst followed by its successful application for complete photocatalytic dye degradation (oxidation) in batch and continuous flow process under natural sunlight as well as visible and UV light. The Au-TiO 2 nanocatalyst was synthesized by a hydrothermal method at basic pH conditions. It was meticulously analyzed by a variety of spectroscopic (UV-Vis, Raman, FTIR, PL, Powder XRD, ED-XRF, XPS), microscopic (FE-SEM with elemental mapping, TEM), and thermal (DSC) techniques. The characterization results showed that monodisperse Plasmonic Au(0) nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 12 ± 1 nm are homogeneously deposited on Anatase TiO 2 crystals. The nanocatalyst showed complete photocatalytic degradation of various dye compounds (Eosin Yellowish, Indigo Carmine, Methyl Orange, Methylene Blue, and Rhodamine B) under visible light or sunlight as confirmed through UV-Vis spectra, mass spectral study, and TOC analysis of dye solutions. A continuous flow process using a specially designed photoreactor was accomplished with a long catalyst lifespan, easy processibility, and low cost. Easy synthesis of the catalyst, its very detailed characterization, and its efficient catalytic studies to completely degrade various dye molecules under visible light source in the absence of any added oxidizer (O 2 , H 2 O 2 , KMnO 4 , Organic peroxides) and the demonstration of continuous flow process are significant highlights of the present work. A plausible mechanistic pathway is also presented in line with the previous literature reports and presently observed phenomenon. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Both electron and energy transfers contribute to the selective oxidation of sulfides with O 2 driven by green light over ARS–Ti-MCM-48. • Ti-MCM-48 with homogeneous dispersion of Ti species is synthesized. • Alizarin red S (ARS) embedded into Ti-MCM-48 can capture green light. • Selective oxidation of sulfide over ARS – Ti-MCM-48 advances steadily. • High selectivities of desired sulfoxides are achieved. • Both electron and energy transfers contribute to the transformation. Ti-containing mesoporous silica materials with a well-defined structure could give a clear picture of the elusive reaction pathways in photocatalysis. However, the dispersion of Ti sites usually results in their bandgaps being larger than that of TiO 2 , which makes the narrowing of bandgaps more challenging to construct visible light photocatalysis. Here, Ti-MCM-48 with an ordered cubic mesostructure and a homogeneous dispersion of Ti sites were successfully synthesized to embed an organic dye alizarin red S (ARS), affording a visible light photocatalyst ARS – Ti-MCM-48. The selective aerobic oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxides driven by green light over ARS – Ti-MCM-48 was accomplished directly. Notably, both electron transfer and energy transfer pathways were involved in the activation of O 2 , in which the Ti sites play a crucial role. Importantly, the photobleaching was effectively alleviated by embedding ARS into the mesopores of Ti-MCM-48. Moreover, high selectivities of desired sulfoxides were favorably achieved. In general, Ti-containing porous materials could be a unique scaffold for embedding photoactive molecules to carry out selective organic transformations driven by visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with natural clay materials is a relatively new research avenue that appears to reduce high production costs and address the instability issues of pure MOFs. A novel MOF and natural clay composites of MOF@Sp_ n (n = 1–4) were fabricated by the in situ precipitation of stable MOF, Zr 6 O 4 (OH) 4 (ABDC) 6 (where ABDC = 2-aminobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid), over natural sepiolite (Sp) clay and used as a photocatalysts for elimination of organic dyes in aqueous media. The formation of MOF@Sp_n due to its strong electrostatic interactions between the positively charged MOF and the negatively charged sepiolite. Optimizing the Sp content in the composite strongly influenced the dispersibility, crystallinity of MOFs, resulting in progressively functional hybrid materials with an excellent optoelectronic properties. The composites lessened the shortcomings of the individual components and made them suitable as a visible light-active, highly efficient, standalone photocatalyst material that can degrade RhB. [Display omitted] • Synthesis and characterization of MOF@Sepiolite composite by an ecological approach. • Composite ratio optimization for superior dispersion, stability, and photocatalyst application. • Development of standalone visible active photocatalyst for RhB degradation. • Novel research way for the development of MOF@Sp hybrid for environmental science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Preparation of the novel plasmonic Ag•AgCl@T-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst. • Full characterization of the materials using a multi-technique approach. • Highly-efficient AB92 photodegradation over the photocatalysts. • Excellent GBM cancer cells treatment under visible light. Water contamination is a drastic worldwide issue menacing the whole biosphere and disturbing people lives as long as human health is strongly depended on the drinkable form of this liquid. It becomes a growing concern when we know the major cause of many diseases around the world is dirty water. Ag/AgCl decorated tube-like g-C 3 N 4 (T-C 3 N 4) nanostructures were successfully fabricated by thermal pyrolysis and coprecipitation methods. The photocatalysts were comprehensively characterized through a multi-technique approach including XRD, DRS, SEM, EDX, TEM, FTIR, BET-BJH, PL, and DLS physicochemical techniques. The photoactivity of the structures was evaluated for Acid Blue 92 (AB92), a dye compound, removal and GBM (U87) cancer cells treatment under visible light. MTT viability assay, ROS assay, fluorescent images, flocytometry (Cell Cycle assay) and mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm) techniques were also served to illustrate the mechanism of tumor cells removal. From our results, ionic liquid-mediated growth of Ag/AgCl nanoparticles on the surface improved the photoactivity and anticancer properties of tubular g-C 3 N 4 significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New magnetically separable BiFeO 3 /CdS/rGO heterostructures were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The photodegradation processes of two textile dyes, methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO), in the presence of BiFeO 3 /CdS/rGO heterostructures using visible light irradiation were studied. The effects of three experimental parameters including solution pH, initial dye concentration, and the catalyst dose on the removal of dyes were investigated. The optimized photocatalyst, i.e. BiFeO 3 /CdS(9)/rGO(4%) composite shows 92% photodegradation of MB and 89% photodegradation of MO after 90 min of visible light illumination, which were found to be about 4.5 times that of pure BiFeO 3. The hybridisation of BiFeO 3 with CdS can significantly inhibit the recombination of electron-hole pairs in the BiFeO 3 /CdS/rGO composites and the presence of rGO sheets can reduce electron-hole pairs recombination by acting as electron acceptor and electron transporter. Furthermore, the sheets of rGO can delay aggregation of nanoparticles. No obvious catalytic activity decrement can be seen after five photodegradation processes, that show the high structural stability of BiFeO 3 /CdS/rGO. In addition, a possible mechanism for the photocatalytic degradation process under visible-light illumination was proposed. [Display omitted] • BiFeO 3 /CdS/rGO nanocomposite were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. • The prepared photocatalyst has superior photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB and MO dyes under the irradiation of visible light. • The successful formation of a p-n heterojunction between BiFeO 3 and CdS and presence of rGO sheets in this nanocomposite can increase the photocatalytic activity and stability of this photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution is a major threat that increases day by day due to various activities. A wide variety of organic pollutants enter the environment due to petrochemical activities. Organic contamination can be unsafe, oncogenic, and lethal. Due to environmental issues worldwide, scientists and research communities are focusing their research efforts on this area. For the removal of toxic organic pollutants from the environment, photocatalysis-assisted degradation processes have gained more attention than other advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). In this manuscript, we report a novel photocatalysis of copper and lanthanum incorporating cerium oxide (CeO2) loaded on graphene oxide (Cu/La/CeO2/GO) nanocomposites successfully synthesized by hydrothermal techniques. XRD results showed the presence of dopant ions and a crystalline structure. FESEM images showed that the surface morphology of the synthesized nanocomposites formed a rod-like structure. The highlight of this study is the in-situ synthesis of the novel Cu/La/CeO2/GO nanocomposites, which manifest higher photodegradation of harmful organic dyes (Rhodamine B (RhB), Sunset Yellow (SY), and Cibacron Red (CR)). In Cu/La/CeO2/GO nanocomposites, the dopant materials restrict the rapid recombination of photoinduced electron–hole pairs and enhance the photocatalytic activity. The degradation percentages of RhB, SY, and CR dye solution are 80%, 60%, and 95%, respectively. In summary, the synthesized nanocomposites degrade toxic organic dyes with the help of visible light and are suitable for future industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]