Preparation and photocatalytic activity of nano-sized nickel molybdate (NiMoO4) doped bismuth titanate (Bi2Ti4O11) (NMBT) composite

Various compositions of nano-sized (NiMoO4)x-doped Bi2Ti4O11 (x = 0.01, 0.05, 0.1) composites have been prepared by chemical solution decomposition (CSD) method using triethanolamine (TEA) as complexing agent. Ni(II) is one of reactive species on the catalyst surface and Mo(VI) ion helps to compensate the charge of the lattice. The photocatalysts based on the above compositions have been tested for photobleaching of methyl orange (MO) solution under Hg-lamp. The prepared nanopowders are characterized by XRD, EDAX, UV–vis spectra, specific surface area (BET), zeta potential, ESR and HRTEM analyses. The average particle size of nickel molybdate-doped bismuth titanate lies around 30 ± 2 nm measured from TEM. Result shows nickel molybdate-doped bismuth titanate (NiMoO4)x(Bi2Ti4O11)1−x (NMxBT1−x; x = 0.01) composite is found to be more photoactive compared all the compositions studied except degussa P25 titania.