Photocatalytic oxidation of textile dye using sugarcane bagasse-Nb2O5 as a catalyst

This study reports the development of a new catalyst through green synthesis using Nb2O5 and sugarcane bagasse. The Nb2O5 semiconductor was immobilized in sugarcane bagasse with and without alkalis treatment and was further applied as a catalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of reactive black 5 dye. The obtained material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM-EDS), and surface loads. The results indicated that the semiconductor was successfully immobilized in the biomass. The photocatalytic activity was carried out at pH around 5.8–6.2 at 25 °C using a LED lamp in the ultraviolet region (50 W, 375–380 nm). The high photoactivity of sugarcane-Nb2O5 without alkalis treatment was obtained, presenting a degradation range over 65% in 60 min. The contribution of photolysis, UV/H2O2, and adsorption for RB5 removal was lesser than 10% showing photocatalysis as the main mechanism of degradation. The sugarcane-Nb2O5 characteristics make it a promising sustainable catalyst.