Tb2CoMnO6 double perovskites nanoparticles as photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes: Synthesis and characterization

Abstract

The importance of water is so high that new methods and materials are constantly being developed to increase freshwater quality. For this purpose, to investigate the unique properties of double perovskites in the photocatalytic process, novel Tb₂CoMnO₆ nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel auto-combustion method. In this method, maltose, cellulose, and Date syrup were used as fuel. Two different ratios of maltose were tested to investigate the effect of fuel content on size and morphology. The synthesized particles in the presence of maltose in an equal ratio to the precursor were selected as the optimal sample by using different analyses such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Other properties of optimal nanoparticles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and diffuse reflectance analysis (DRS) analysis. These nanoparticles were used to investigate the photocatalytic properties under UV light in the aqueous solution of Eriochrome black T, Rhodamine B, Thymol blue, and Acid red dyes. The results of the photocatalytic process showed 70% discoloration for the Eriochrome Black T. Three compounds, include Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 1,4-Benzoquinone, and Benzoic acid, were used as scavengers to investigate the mechanism of the photocatalytic process. The results showed that the mechanism of the photocatalytic process proceeds through superoxide radicals, which Benzoquinone scavenges.