Spectroscopic investigation on photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange using Fe2O3/WO3/FeWO4 nanomaterials

In this study, iron oxide (Fe2O3), tungsten oxide (WO3) and iron-tungstate oxide (FeWO4) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by simple precipitation, acid precipitation, and hydrothermal method respectively. All the spectroscopic analysis reveals that as-synthesized NPs are crystalline with a z-average size of 342, 313 and 373 d.nm respectively. The element compositions, shape and size of the NPs were identified with the help of SEM with EDX analysis. FTIR analysis concluded that the presence of functional groups on the surface of NPs and which responsible for capping and formation of NPs. Besides, the as-synthesized NPs have been used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of Methyl Orange (MO) dye under visible irradiation. FeWO4 NPs (98%) show more effective in the degradation of MO as compared to other NPs. Moreover, the degraded MO and its by-products were used to assess their toxicity on Vigna radiata and RAW 264.7 cell line and which were confirmed that degraded by-products were non-hazardous. [Display omitted] •Spherical shaped Fe2O3, WO3, and FeWO4 NPs have excellent optical properties.•FeWO4 NPs shows 98% of methyl orange degradation under visible light.•FeWO4 NPs have maximum catalytic potential.