Effective sonocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by using Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2–SnO2 under ultrasonic irradiation

In this work, the Er3+:YAlO3, as up-conversion luminescence agent, was deposited on the surface of TiO2–SnO2 composite and then a novel sonocatalyst, Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2–SnO2, was obtained. The Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2–SnO2 was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Its sonocatalytic activity was examined through the degradation of Acid Red B under ultrasonic irradiation. The degradation process of Acid Red B was monitored by UV–vis spectrophotometer and ion chromatography. Furthermore, the main influence factors on the sonocatalytic activity of Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2–SnO2 such as Ti/Sn molar ratio, heat-treated temperature and heat-treated time were studied. The results indicate that the Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2–SnO2 with 3:7 Ti/Sn molar ratio heat-treated at 550 °C for 60 min exhibit a best sonocatalytic activity during the degradation of Acid Red B. In addition, the results also show that Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2–SnO2 displays a good sonocatalytic activity for other organic dyes degradation.

Graphical abstractThe Er3+:YAlO3, as an up-conversion luminescence agent, was synthesized by sol–gel and auto-combustion method and then the Er3+:YAlO3/TiO2–SnO2 composite was prepared by ultrasonic dispersion and liquids boil method. It was found that the sonocatalytic activity of the TiO2 catalyst can be greatly enhanced by SnO2 and Er3+:YAlO3 through the degradation of Acid Red B under ultrasonic irradiation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (125 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The ultrasound-induced luminescence is used in degradation of organic dyes. ► Up-conversion luminescence agent is used for enhancing the sonocatalytic degradation efficacy. ► Er3+:YAlO3 is applied to convert vis-light of ultrasound-induced luminescence to UV-light.