Development of Illite modified/Rh2O3 for electrochemical, sensor, photocatalysis and antioxidant studies

The present work revealed the development of illite modified/Rh2O3 nanocomposite through the reflux method. The modification of illite was achieved using CTAB (Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) as a surfactant. The prepared nanocomposite was subjected to characterize X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDAX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques. The results exhibit that illite modified/Rh2O3 can successfully facilitate the photocatalytic degradation of orange G (96%) with excellent performance. Cyclic voltammetry analysis of the synthesized material was conducted using a carbon paste electrode in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte, revealing its significant redox potential output as determined by the CV technique. The composite material was used to detect the green sensors like bee pollen and cow urine confirming better sensing performance. Illite modified/Rh2O3 nanocomposite is used for free radical scavenging of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) showed high antioxidant activity and IC50 value compared with illite and illite modified. •CTAB was used as a surfactant in the Illite modification.•The reflux method was used to produce a Illite modified /Rh2O3 nanocomposite.•Electrochemical sensor detection was performed using nanocomposite.•Photocatalysis and antioxidant activity has been studied.