Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles niobia (Nb2O5) by the method of peroxide oxidizer by hydrothermal route and study of photocatalytic properties.

Abstract

The treatment of wastewater containing organic compounds such as dyes and pesticides is still a concern, so the development of efficient methods and materials to accomplish the degradation of organic compounds and subsequent reuse of water is required. Treatment methods of great interest are the advanced oxidation processes, which apply semiconductors as photocatalysts. These systems have been intensively studied due to the increased efficiency of degradation of these compounds. Thus, this project proposes the optimization study of Nb2O5 nanoparticle synthesis (at different stages), obtained by the oxidant peroxide method and under hydrothermal conditions for crystallization and subsequent study of photocatalytic properties of the material. This method is proposed since it is considerably simple and dispenses organic /inorganic additive compounds that can be harmful, and carried out in milder conditions. The characterization of the obtained materials will be made through conventional techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, surface area (BET method), photoluminescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and advanced techniques such as transmission electron microscopy high resolution (HRTEM). Photocatalytic efficiency tests will be performed on a bench with fotoreator UV-Vis, mainly using pesticides as substrates for degradation, the removal efficiency will be monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy, observing the degradation of compounds and correlating it to the characterization.