Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of toxic organic pollutants by a ZnTiO₃/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposite

In this study, a ZnTiO₃/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposite photocatalyst was synthesized via a hydrothermal method and evaluated for enhanced photocatalytic performance. The as-prepared ZnTiO₃, Bi₂WO₆, and ZnTiO₃/Bi₂WO₆ samples were systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). SEM analysis showed that the ZnTiO₃/Bi₂WO₆ nanocomposite is composed of quasi-spherical nanoparticles with an average size of ranging from 50.76 nm to 80.76 nm. The photocatalytic activity was assessed by the degradation of two hazardous organic dyes, Acid Green and Rose Bengal, under UV irradiation, achieving degradation efficiencies of 83.65% and 87.19%, respectively, within 60 min. The improved photocatalytic performance is attributed to efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers and an increased number of active sites on the catalyst surface. Kinetic analysis indicated that the degradation of both dyes followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the nanocomposite exhibited excellent stability and reusability over three consecutive cycles, highlighting its potential for wastewater treatment applications.