Sonocatalytic degradation of amaranth catalyzed by La3+ doped TiO2 under ultrasonic irradiation

The relationship between the physicochemical properties and the activity of sonocatalysts is investigated and elucidated in the sonodegradation of amaranth. The sonocatalyts are composed of La3+ doped TiO2 synthesized via a sol–gel process. The sonocatalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron emission spectroscopy. The sonodegradation products of amaranth are analyzed by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The presence of the La3+ doped TiO2 catalysts substantially enhances the sonocatalytic degradation of amaranth in aqueous suspensions. The possible sonocatalytic mechanisms for such are discussed.

► A series of La3+ doped TiO2 sonocatalysts were prepared through a simple method.
► The sonocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized La3+ doped TiO2 is higher than that of pure TiO2 nanoparticles.
► The new La3+ doped TiO2 sonocatalysts will have great significance for the design of sonocatalysts.