Improved photocatalytic properties of WO₃ nanoparticles for Malachite green dye degradation under visible light irradiation: An effect of La doping

Abstract

Doped materials have received substantial attention due to their increased usefulness in photocatalytic applications. Within this context, the present study was dedicated to investigating the potential of the precipitation technique for producing La-doped tungsten oxide (WO3). To comprehensively characterize the synthesized La-doped WO3, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were judiciously employed. The focal point of the investigation encompassed an examination of the impact of varying La concentrations on multiple fronts: the photocatalytic activities (PCAs), as well as any associated structural and morphological modifications. This holistic approach aimed to uncover the intricate relationship between La incorporation and the resulting properties of the WO3 matrix. Through the degradation of Malachite green dye within an aqueous medium, PCA of the La-doped WO3 samples was quantitatively evaluated. Remarkably, over 180 min under irradiation of visible light irradiation, the achieved levels of dye degradation were remarkable, amounting to 81.165, 83.11, and 83.85% for the respective samples. These findings firmly underscore the potential of La-doped WO3 as a proficient photocatalyst, particularly in color removal from wastewater. This study paves the way for enhanced wastewater treatment approaches by utilizing doped WO3 materials.