Sonocatalytic activity activity of a heterostructured beta-Bi2O3/Bi2O2CO3 nanoplate in degradation of bisphenol A

Abstract

Novel heterostructured beta-Bi2O3/Bi2O2CO3 nanoplates (hBN) were synthesized to observe the sonocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) (widely used as a model pollutant) under ultrasonic (US) irradiation. Prior to obtaining the hBN, the Bi2O2CO3 micropowder precursor was prepared under hydrothermal conditions and then converted to hBN by increasing the calcination temperature to 300 degrees C. The synthesized hBN samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (FESEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The hBN/US system exhibited greater sonocatalytic activity for the degradation of EPA than the US treatment with the single element bismuth oxide, beta-Bi2O3 prepared by annealing the Bi2O2CO3 precursor at 400 degrees C for 1 h. The US frequency and US power intensity in the hBN/US system were the key operating parameters, which were responsible for the complete degradation of BPA during 6 h of reactions. The degradation efficiency of EPA under the US irradiation was positively correlated with the dose of hBN. Our findings indicate that heterostructured hBN can be used as an efficient sonocatalyst for the catalytic degradation of EPA in water and wastewater treatment.