SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBON BALLS LOADED SILVER ORTHOPHOSPHATE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION

Abstract

A silver orthophosphate (Ag3PO4 ) is an efficient photocatalyst. It was successfully synthesized by chemical precipitation method using Ag3NO3 and Na2HPO4 The resulting Ag3PO4 was coated with carbon balls by solid state dispersion method. The products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy- Energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) colour mapping and Ultraviolet-Visible diffuse reflectance (UV-DRS). Under UV light, the carbon balls loaded photocatalyst exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity for the removal of Methyl Violet dye. The effect of operational parameters such as effect of pH, catalyst suspension, initial dye concentration and reusability were observed. Hence, the photocatalyst can be used for multiple runs.