Illuminating the Power of VO Nanoparticles: Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes under Visible Light.

This research explores the synthesis, characterization, and application of Vanadium Pentoxide nanoparticles (VO NPs), focusing on their efficacy in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under visible light. Utilizing a co-precipitation method, we synthesized VO NPs characterized by an orthorhombic crystal structure with a consistent average particle size of 28 nm. The optical properties of VO NPs, including their band gap, were thoroughly investigated to understand their light absorption capabilities, which are crucial for photocatalytic activity. In our study, Methyl Violet (MV) dye was employed as a model organic pollutant to assess the photocatalytic performance of the nanoparticles. Under visible light irradiation, the VO nanoparticles demonstrated an exceptional photocatalytic degradation efficiency, achieving up to 85% degradation of the MV dye within 100 min. This high level of efficiency is attributed to the nanoparticles' ability to effectively absorb visible light and generate electron-hole pairs, thereby facilitating a robust degradation process. Further analysis revealed that the photocatalytic activity led to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, which are integral to the dye degradation mechanism. These ROS play a critical role in breaking down the dye molecules, significantly contributing to the overall effectiveness of the photocatalytic process. The results of this study highlight the potential of VO nanoparticles as a sustainable and effective photocatalytic material for environmental remediation applications, particularly in the treatment of wastewater containing organic dyes. This research not only advances our understanding of the photocatalytic properties of VO nanoparticles but also demonstrates their practical application in addressing environmental pollution through innovative and efficient degradation of hazardous substances.