Ultrasonic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of Basic Red-2 by using Nb₂O₅ nano catalyst

The ultrasonic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of Basic Red-2 accompanied by Nb₂O₅ nano catalysts were studied. The structure and morphology of synthesized Nb₂O₅ nano catalyst was investigated using scanning election microscopy (SEM), Electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).The effects of various experimental parameters such as the Basic Red-2 concentration, catalyst dose, pH and addition of H₂O₂ on the ultrasonic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation were investigated. Photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of Basic Red-2 was strongly affected by initial dye concentration, catalyst dose, H₂O₂ addition and pH. Basic pH (pH-10) was favored for the ultrasonic (US), photocatalytic (UV + Nb₂O₅) and sonophotocatalytic (US + UV + Nb₂O₅) degradation of Basic Red-2 by using Nb₂O₅ nano catalyst. The ultrasonic degradation of Basic Red-2 was enhanced by the addition of photocatalyst. Then, the effect of Nb₂O₅ dose on photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation were studied, and it was found that increase in catalyst dose increase in the percentage degradation of Basic Red-2. In addition, the effects of H₂O₂ on ultrasonic, photolytic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation was also investigated, and it was found that H₂O₂ enhances the % degradation of Basic Red-2. The possible mechanism of ultrasonic, photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic degradation of Basic Red-2 reported by LC-MS shows generation of different degradation product