Preparation and enhanced visible light catalytic activity of TiO2 sensitized with Benzimidazolone Yellow H3G

• A commercial organic pigment modified TiO2 photocatalyst was prepared by a simple method.
• Photocatalytic degradation of three typical organic pollutants by the modified TiO2 was studied.
• The catalyst showed high visible light activity and stability.

A TiO2 photocatalyst sensitized with commercial organic pigment Benzimidazolone Yellow H3G was conveniently prepared and characterized by FT-IR, UV–Vis, XRD, SEM and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The adsorption capacities and photocatalytic activities of the new photocatalyst were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of Methyl Orange, Rhodamine B and Acid Chrome Blue K under irradiation with visible light. The results indicated that the new photocatalyst extends the photoresponse of TiO2 from the UV to the visible region. The photocatalysed degradation rates of the three dyes were in the range of 89–95%. The influence of the pH of the solutions on the photocatalytic activity was investigated and the mechanism of action was also discussed. Photocatalytic activity of the catalyst is reproducible which demonstrates excellent stability and recyclability factors, which are crucial to industrial wastewater treatment.

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