Photocatalytic activity of the La.۷Ca۰.۳MnO۳ nanorods

La۰.۷Ca۰.۳MnO۳ (LCMO) powder was synthesized via the hydrothermal method. Structural, morphological, and optical properties of the as-prepared sample were systematically characterized. The XRD results proved the existence of only one crystalline phase. The FESEM image indicates that the La۰.۷Ca۰.۳MnO۳ sample has a nanorod structure with an average diameter of approximately ۱۲۵ nm. According to UV-Vis analysis, the band gap energy of the sample was estimated about ۲.۱۳ eV. The adsorption and photocatalytic performances of LCMO nanostructure were systematically characterized. The photoactivity efficiency for decolorizing Rhodamine B solution (۱۰ ppm), by LCMO (۰.۵ g/L), with nearly ۸۰ min illumination, was more than ۹۰% with a reaction rate constant of ۰.۰۲۹ min−۱. Ultimately, the reusability of the photocatalyst for degrading the RhB dye was investigated using six cycles. The good reusability and stability of LCMO implies a potential application for dealing with high-concentration dyes by adsorption–photocatalytic degradation.

Keywords:

Hydrothermal , La۰.۷Ca۰.۳MnO۳ , Photocatalysis , Adsorption , hybrid process , Rhodamine B