Improved photocatalytic performance under visible light of a novel Bi2O3-CdO-CdCO3 ternary composite on glass wool

A novel ternary composite photocatalyst, Bi2O3-CdO-CdCO3, was synthesized via a solvothermal method, followed by heat treatment at various temperatures with and without glass wool (GW). Characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectra, Brunauer– Emmett–Teller, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the formation of nanomaterials. Photocatalytic activity was assessed by measuring the photo-discoloration of Indigo carmine dye under visible light and compared to CdO, Bi2O3, and TiO2-P25. Remarkably, the highest efficiency was achieved with the GW-coated material treated at 400°C. XRD analysis revealed the presence of four phases in the non-calcined material, irrespective of GW presence. However, the 400°C treatment induced phase transformation, resulting in six phases in the material without GW and three phases in that with GW. Notably, GW presence influenced this transformation, yielding three dominant phases: Bi2O3, CdO, and CdCO3, accounting for approximately 52%, 24%, and 24%, respectively, in contrast to the case without GW. The coexistence of these three phases on GW fibers significantly enhanced photocatalytic efficiency and longevity under visible light compared to the non-calcined material and material without GW.