Surface decoration of Nb2O5 hollow fibers by graphene oxide for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

This paper describes the fabrication of ceramic Nb₂O₅ hollow fibers covered by a thin graphene oxide (GO) layer using the vacuum-assisted dip-coating process for the efficient photocatalysis degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UVC light irradiation. Pristine and GO-coated Nb₂O₅ hollow fibers were evaluated for photocatalytic degradation at different initial dye concentrations and pH values. A photodegradation of 66.4% of the dye molecules was achieved using the pristine Nb₂O₅ hollow fibers at 57.4 ± 0.1 mg mL¹, initial MB concentration of 10 mg L⁻¹, and pH of 11. Under the same experimental conditions, the GO-coated Nb₂O₅ hollow fibers degraded 100% of the MB molecules. Additionally, the GO-coated Nb₂O₅ hollow fibers were successfully reused for four reaction cycles and exhibited suitable long-term stability. Thus, the proposed ceramic Nb₂O₅ hollow fibers with a surface decorated by a GO layer presented suitable characteristics for use as a photocatalyst in MB degradation.