Synthesis and characterization of bismuth oxide ternary compounds for photocatalytic decolorization of BR 18

[Display omitted] •Bismuth oxide ternary compounds were synthesized and used for photocatalytic oxidation of BR18.•A complete azo dye decolorization (5 mg/L initial dye concentration) was obtained for 180 min.•Bismuth oxide ternary compounds remained half of its activity in fourth reuse. In this study, (Er2O3)/(Yb2O3)/(Bi2O3) ternary compounds were synthesized and their photocatalytic activity were investigated for oxidation of an azo dye Basic Red 18 (BR18) in aqueous solutions. The influence of stoichiometric ratios of Er3+ and Yb3+ doping on Bi3+ (2Er5Yb, 4Er10Yb, 8Er15Yb), powder loading (2, 4, 6 g/L), and dye concentration (5, 10, 25 mg/L) were systematically investigated. A complete BR18 decolorization (5 mg/L initial dye concentration) was achieved by 8Er15YbSB at 4 g/L powder loading for 180 min. Synthesized ternary compounds were also characterized.