Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B by Two-Layer Aurivillius Compound SrBi2Ta2O9

Uji Degradasi Pewarna Rhodamine B oleh Senyawa Aurivillius Lapis Dua SrBi2Ta2O9

Abstract

The two-layer Aurivillius compound SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ has been known as a potential photocatalyst as results can be applied to degrade dye waste. In this research, the SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ compound was synthesized using a solid-state reaction and then measured to degrade rhodamine B dye. The diffractogram showed that the SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ compound has formed with space group A2₁am and there are no impurities. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image showed that the shape of SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ particles is plate-like and in agglomeration condition. DRS spectrum showed that the bandgap energy of SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ is 3.15 eV (~ 393.60 nm). The rhodamine B solution's degradation test results showed that the sample could degrade 8.6% rhodamine B for 80 minutes. The low degradability is due to the particles. SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ has a bigger size and also were found agglomeration.

Keywords: agglomeration, particle size, photocatalyst, rhodamine B, SrBi₂Ta₂O_9.