Synergistic photocatalytic breakdown of azo dyes coupled with H2 generation via Cr-doped α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles

Abstract

This research addresses the scalable and inexpensive synthesis of α-Fe 2 O 3 via hydrothermal method without any precipitating agent as well as the enhancement of solar driven photocatalytic and H 2 production through doping different chromium proportions. Competency of α-Fe 2 O 3 , both pure and doped with chromium, to function as photocatalyst was evaluated by its interaction with multiple dyes, which was real-time monitored utilizing (Internet of Things) IoT technique. By adding chromium, the rate of deterioration increased substantially from 15 to 94% for TB under sunlight in a remarkably brief 20 min by employing a very small amount of Cr 0.8 Fe 1.2 O 3 (0.3 g/L), as evidenced by high degree of mineralization i.e. 85% and LC-HRMS. Also, the rapid breakdown of Trypan Blue (TB) was indicated by BOD 5 /COD ratio. Moreover, Cr-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 displays excellent H 2 production (~ 132 μmol h −1 g −1 ) as compared to α-Fe 2 O 3 . This work highlights the potential utilization of Cr-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 for the purification of industrial waste water and green energy harvesting.