Controlled synthesis of Tl2O3 nanostructures via microwave route by a novel pH adjuster and investigation of its photocatalytic activity

چکیده مقاله

Abstract Tl2O3 nanostructures were successfully synthesized starting from thallium acetate in aqueous solution through two different approaches including co-precipitation and a simple microwave method. Besides, some reaction parameters such as microwave power, irradiation time, pH value, and capping agent effect were investigated to reach an optimum synthetic condition. Comparing two applied methods, microwave was faster, simpler, more convenient, and more controllable route for synthesis of Tl2O3 nanostructures. For the first time, propylenediamine was used as pH adjuster to synthesize Tl2O3 nanostructures. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible, photoluminescence (Garnier et al.), and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The as-synthesized Tl2O3 nanostructures were used as an efficient photocatalyst in degradation of methyl orange with 92 % degradation within 40 min.