Photocatalysis of Ag-loaded BaTiO3 and CaTiO3 for degradation of Methylene blue dye under sunlight

Abstract

Our research focuses on the fabrication of BaTiO3 and CaTiO3 by a hydrothermal method and improving its photocatalytic characteristics by loading it with Ag metal. This change allows the photocatalyst to efficiently absorb broad-spectrum solar light while also effectively separating charges, which are critical for photocatalysis. CaTiO3 discovered to exhibit spherical shape, with Ag showing as smaller spheres. BaTiO3 exhibit nanorod shape with Ag showing as smaller spheres. Both Ag loaded nanocomposites Ag-BaTiO3 and Ag-CaTiO3 photocatalysts effectively degraded Methylene blue dye under solar light exposure, degradaing 95% and 99.4% over 4h and 1h. Visible produced lower MB dye breakdown rates of 89% and 92% for BaTiO3 and CaTiO3 respectively, highlighting direct sunlight as our catalyst's most effective light source (99.4%). Reusability experiments showed the catalyst’s high stability, with an 81.8% MB dye degradation efficiency after five cycles. Scavenger studies emphasized the crucial role of h+ active species in the photodecomposition process. Ag-BaTiO3 and AgCaTiO3, with its simple synthesis method and outstanding performance, is a promising alternative for eliminating persistent pollutants in textile wastewater systems.