High-performance ferroelectric photocatalysts for rapid dye degradation: ZrO2-doped LiTa0.5Nb0.5O3 under solar UV light

Nour Eddine Lazar, Driss Mazkad, Ali Moussadik, Mohamed El Habib Hitar, Abdellah Benzaouak, Noureddine Touach, Jimmy Nicolle, Benoît Cagnon, Fatma Yalcinkaya, Yassine Riadi, Manal A. Alossaimi, Mohammed El Mahi, El Mostapha Lotfi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

The push to find new catalytic materials has intensified due to environmental concerns and the pressing issue of dye breakdown. In our research, we delve into the properties of ZrO2-doped LiTa0.5Nb0.5O3, a material made using a solid-state method. We extensively studied its structure, appearance, optical properties, dielectric areas, and surface conditions. Notably, Zr 5% composition exhibited an efficiently breaking down Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated UV sunlight. In just an hour, it achieved a remarkable 98.2% degradation rate. This superior performance stems from active complexes forming on its surface and its impressive light absorption. Moreover, the degradation of RhB by this catalyst is boosted by the presence of reactive •O2¯ species generated during the process. Even after five rounds of testing, the catalyst retained an 81% efficiency rate. These results indicate the potential for creating efficient catalysts that can swiftly neutralize harmful dyes from water. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)233-245
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology
Volume110
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2024

Keywords

  • Electronic structure
  • LiTaNbO
  • Photocatalytic activity
  • Scavengers
  • ZrO Doping

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