Enhanced Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Application of Combustion-Synthesized Nb2O5/MgO/Fe2O3 Nanocomposites

Abstract

The development of advanced nanocomposites has the potential to greatly enhance the detection of hazardous chemicals in the environment. This research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing Nb₂O₅/MgO/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites to address existing limitations and offer sustainable solutions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the phase formation and crystalline nature of the nanocomposites with an average particle size of 55 nm. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirms the presence of functional groups in the nanocomposite. UV–visible spectroscopy of the prepared Nb₂O₅/MgO/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite reveals synergistic interactions among the phases, leading to a remarkable reduction in the bandgap (2.2 eV). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides insights into the surface morphology of the nanocomposite. Zeta potential analysis reveals a surface charge of −32.5 mV, indicating excellent stability. Photocatalytic studies show effective dye degradation at an optimized catalyst concentration of 20 mg in 40 ppm dye solutions under UV irradiation. Furthermore, its porous structure and high surface area contribute to superior photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes and efficient electrochemical detection of mercury chloride and dextrose in 0.1 M of HCl medium. Additionally, the photocatalytic efficiency of Nb₂O₅/MgO/Fe₂O₃ was evaluated for the degradation of azo dyes, such as fast orange red and direct green dyes, under UV irradiation. Systematic optimization of variables including catalyst dosage, dye concentration, and irradiation time significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance. The results confirm the nanocomposite's strong potential in environmental remediation through effective photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and its advanced sensing capabilities for detecting hazardous substances, which make this a versatile material with impactful applications in wastewater treatment and electrochemical sensing.