Photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet using prepared bismuth titanate mixed oxide

A novel photocatalyst bismuth titanate mixed oxide (BTMO) was prepared by the solvent thermal synthesis method. The structure and morphology of BTMO were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and scan electron microscope, respectively. Ultraviolet and visible diffuse reflection spectra were measured to account for the photoabsorption properties of BTMO. The tests of photocatalytic activity of BTMO were conducted by the photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet under UV irradiation. The results indicate that 0.05 g BTMO with initial concentration of crystal violet 20 mg L-1 irradiated for 1.5 h shows the highest photocatalytic activity. The photocatalyst properties of BTMO were associated with their crystal and electronic structures.