Synthesis and characterization of Sm2FeMnO6 double perovskites nanoparticles supported on graphitic carbon nitride as photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes under simulated sunlight light

Abstract

A novel synthesis program was employed to produce a Sm₂FeMnO₆/graphitic carbon nitride (SFMO/g-C₃N₄) nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was created utilizing varying proportions of the stabilizing agent: Propylene glycol (PG), various stabilizing agents, and diverse calcination temperatures. The shape, size, and purity of SFMO nanoparticles were controlled using these factors. The optimized sample was chosen using different physical equipments such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study focused on understanding magnetic and optical properties and their role in photocatalytic applications. Based on the Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) results, the SFMO nanoparticles possess a band gap of 1.52 eV. An examination was conducted to determine the photocatalytic effectiveness of SFMO and SFMO/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposite in degrading diverse anionic and cationic pollutant models. The effectiveness of SFMO nanoparticles in degrading particular dyes (Eriochrome black T (EBT), Methyl orange (MO), Rhodamine B (RhB), and Malachite green (MG)) when subjected to visible light was evaluated. Various factors, including the type of dye, quantity of catalyst, dye concentration, pH levels, contact time, and scavengers, were investigated to assess the effectiveness of photocatalysis. The results showed that these nanoparticles could remove about 84.87 % of Methyl orange.