Enhanced photocatalytic activities of NaLi1.07Co2.94(MoO4)5 nanoparticles under solar light

Title : Enhanced photocatalytic activities of NaLi1.07Co2.94(MoO4)5 nanoparticles under solar light

Abstract:

 K₃NaCo₄(MoO₄)₆ photocatalyst has been prepared using a solid-state reaction method. First, its crystal structure is determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. This material crystallizes in trigonal system, space group R3‾ (No.148) with cell parameters a = 14.434(3) Å and c = 19.811(6) Å. The crystal structure of the title compound can be described by the junction of ribbons and MoO4 tetrahedra by sharing vertices to give a three-dimensional framework in which Na⁺ and K⁺ cations are resided. Second, the as prepared sample has been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and EDX analysis. The SEM analysis demonstrates the presence of agglomerates with uniform nanoparticles having different crystallite sizes. FTIR and Raman spectra confirm the presence of characteristic MoO₄ tetrahedra. Moreover, the optical band gap was found to be 3.5 eV. Finally, the photocatalytic removal of Acid Yellow 23 (AY-23) organic azo dye was investigated under solar light in the presence of K₃NaCo₄(MoO₄)₆ photocatalyst and H₂O₂. A good photocatalytic activity for the degradation of AY-23 dye has been noted with a removal rate reaching 98 % when adding H₂O₂ at optimum reaction.

Biography:

Dr. Rawia Nasri holds a Ph.D. in Solid State Chemistry with High Honors from the Faculty of Sciences, Tunis (2016). She also earned a Master’s degree in Solid State Chemistry (2012, High Honors) and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Chemistry (2010, with Distinction) from the same institution. With teaching experience spanning 2014 to 2022, Dr. Nasri has instructed various General Chemistry Lab sections for Applied License in Chemistry programs. Her research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of molybdates for photocatalytic applications, conducted at the Laboratory of Materials, Crystallochemistry, and Applied Thermodynamics (2021–2022). Nasri also completed a postdoctoral position (2018–2019), specializing in the crystal chemistry and synthesis of molybdates. Her work involved advanced techniques, including the CAD-4 Enraf-Nonius X-ray diffractometer and UV-Visible spectrophotometry, contributing significantly to the understanding and development of photocatalytic materials.