Synthesis of novel sonocatalyst Er3+:YAlO3/Nb2O5 and its application for sonocatalytic degradation of methamphetamine hydrochloride

The composited sonocatalyst Er3+:YAlO3/Nb2O5 was prepared by ultrasonic dispersion and high temperature calcinations method. The microstructure of Er3+:YAlO3 was prepared via sol-gel method and Nb2O5 was prepared by hydrothermal method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra, respectively. The sonocatalytic decomposition activity of composite sonocatalyst Er3+:YAlO3/Nb2O5 was investigated by using ultrasound as sound source and methamphetamine hydrochloride as the target degradation product. The influences of composite sonocatalyst Er3+:YAlO3/Nb2O5 with different ratios, calcination temperature, ultrasonic power, ultrasonic temperature and recycle times were investigated. The results showed that the sonocatalytic degradation rate was 82.17% after 5 h sonocatalytic decomposition under the condition of ultrasonic power of 700 W, frequency of 45 kHz and surrounding temperature of 30 °C. The sonocatalytic degradation ability of composite sonocatalyst for methamphetamine hydrochloride in aqueous solution was still good after recycled five times. The hydroxyl radicals (OH) and holes (h+) are identified and hydroxyl radicals (OH) plays a major role during the oxidation process. The experimental results show that sonocatalytic is a new idea for the harmless treatment of amphetamine-type stimulants.