Preparation and characterization of Bi-doped TiO2 and its solar photocatalytic activity for the degradation of isoproturon herbicide

Bi-doped TiO2 catalyst was prepared by sol–gel method and was characterized by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD), X-ray photo electronic spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) and BET surface area. The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts were evaluated for the degradation of isoproturon herbicide under solar light irradiation. The UV–Visible DRS of Bi-doped TiO2 showed red shift in optical absorption. The presence of Bi3+δ+ species are playing a vital role in minimizing the electron hole recombination resulting higher activity compared to bare TiO2.

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► Visible active Bi-TiO2 photocatalyst preparation and thorough charaterization.
► Bi-TiO2 shows high activity for isoproturon degradation under solar light irradiation.
► The spectral response of TiO2 shifts from UV to visible light region by Bi doping.
► Bi3+δ+ species are playing a vital role in minimizing e−/h+ recombination.