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[Display omitted] TiO 2 nanostructures have been one of the most explored metal oxides photocatalysts to apply for environmental remediation. However, its wide band gap results in the underutilization of sunlight for degradation of pollutants. In order to overcome this handicap, the synthesis of TiO 2 -based composite has brought extraordinary materials. In this study, we design and prepare TiO 2 /Nb 2 O 5 heterostructures with different molar ratios by using peroxotitanium and peroxoniobium complex as precursors in aqueous solution. The TiO 2 exists in the form of anatase while Nb 2 O 5 is amorphous in the composite, leading to a special crystalline TiO 2 /amorphous Nb 2 O 5 heterostructures. In particular, Nb element is also doped and Ti3+ ions are formed in the TiO 2 lattice, leading to a reduced band gap. The unique TiO 2 /0.25Nb 2 O 5 (Ti:Nb = 2:1) heterostructures can effectively suppress the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, and facilitate the charge transfer, resulting in the optimum photocatalytic performance. The nitrogen oxide removal efficiency by TiO 2 /0.25Nb 2 O 5 is 77.23% in visible light, which is 3.8-folds and 7.0-folds higher than pure TiO 2 and Nb 2 O 5. Photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen by TiO 2 /0.25Nb 2 O 5 is 90.6% in visible light, which is approximately 2.5-folds higher than pure TiO 2 and Nb 2 O 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we reported the effect of doping and addition of surfactant on SnO 2 nanostructures for enhanced photocatalytic activity. Pristine SnO 2 , Zn–SnO 2 and SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) was prepared via simple co-precipitation method and the product was annealed at 600 °C to obtain a clear phase. The structural, optical, vibrational, morphological characteristics of the synthesized SnO 2 , Zn–SnO 2 and SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) product were investigated. SnO 2 , Zn–SnO 2 and SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) possess crystallite size of 20 nm, 19 nm and 18 nm correspondingly with tetragonal structure and high purity. The metal oxygen vibrations were present in FT-IR spectra. The obtained bandgap energies of SnO 2 , Zn–SnO 2 and SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) were 3.58 eV, 3.51 eV and 2.81 eV due to the effect of dopant and surfactant. This narrowing of bandgap helped in the photocatalytic activity. The morphology of the pristine sample showed poor growth of nanostructures with high level of agglomeration which was effectively reduced for other two samples. Product photocatalytic action was tested beneath visible light of 300 W. SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) nanostructure efficiency showed 90% degradation of RhB dye which is 2.5 times higher than pristine sample. Narrow bandgap, crystallite size, better growth of nanostructures paved the way for SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) to degrade the toxic pollutant. The superior performance and individuality of SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) will makes it a potential competitor on reducing toxic pollutants from wastewater in future research. • SnO 2 , Zn–SnO 2 and SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) product were investigated. • Bandgap of SnO 2 , Zn–SnO 2 and SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) were 3.58, 3.51, 2.81 eV. • Narrowing bandgap helped in photocatalytic activity. • SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) efficiency showed 90% RhB degradation. • SDS-(Zn–SnO 2) explored 2.5 times higher than pristine sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste water remediation is the ongoing hot research topic that can reduce the water scarcity all over the world. By reducing the pollutants in the waste water drawn from industries and other sources will be more useful for domestic purposes. To reduce the rate of pollutants in water may also help in improving the aquatic environment and decreases other side effects. Efficient and cost effective catalysts were in search for both dye degradation and water remediation treatment applications. NiMoO 4 nanorods were prepared by employing co-precipitation method with different stirrer time (2 h, 4 h and 6 h). The formation of NiMoO 4 was substantiated employing X-ray diffractometer analysis (XRD). Vibrational and rotational property of the samples was analyzed by FT-IR spectra and Raman spectra. The optical property was further confirmed by UV–vis spectral studies. Morphological analysis studies revealed growth of nanorods with 6 h stirrer time. The photocatalytic behavior of the obtained product was carried out under both UV light (364 nm) and visible light irradiation. The samples subjected to visible light environment showed better efficiency on degrading the methylene blue (MB) dye. The efficiency obtained under UV irradiation were 20%, 31%, 33%, 41% and efficiency obtained in visible light irradiation were 27%, 42%, 46%, 55% with respect to bare methylene blue (MB), MB with NiMoO 4 (2 h), MB with NiMoO 4 (4 h), MB with NiMoO 4 (6 h) catalyst added. NiMoO 4 sample with 6 h stirrer time and fine nanorods growth will be the good candidate for future use. • UV irradiation efficiency were 20%, 31%, 33%, 41%. • Visible light irradiation efficiency were 27%, 42%, 46%, 55%. • NiMoO 4 with 6 h stirrer revealed good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]