PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MoO3 NANOPARTICLES FOR THE PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF DYEING WASTEWATER

Abstract

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of MoO₃ nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of dyeing wastewater. The XRD pattern of MoO₃ shows distinct peaks at 2θ values of 12.8°, 23.4°, 25.7°, 27.3°, and 39.0°, corresponding to specific crystal planes and confirming its α-MoO₃ phase, validated against JCPDS card number 05-0508. The morphology reveals stacked or crumpled particles with a high surface area conducive to catalytic activities. EDX analysis identifies molybdenum (Mo) and oxygen (O) with characteristic peaks at 2.29 keV (Mo Lα), 17.48 keV (Mo Kα), 19.63 keV (Mo Kβ), and 0.52 keV (O Kα), confirming the material's composition. MoO₃’s layered structure, influenced by van der Waals forces, offers unique interlayer spacing advantageous for photocatalytic processes. Photodegradation experiments showed progressive efficiency: at 10 minutes, MoO₃ achieved 8.58%; by 40 minutes, it increased to 30.42%, and at 50 minutes, reached 42.3%. Efficiency peaked at 60 minutes with 50.52%, progressing to 60.8% at 70 minutes and 71.03% at 90 minutes, finally achieving 75.25% at 100 minutes. These results demonstrate MoO₃ nanoparticles' effectiveness in degrading dye pollutants, highlighting their potential for sustainable wastewater treatment applications.