Investigation of EG-BiS nanorods photocatalytic activity under visible light for dye degradation from aquatic system.

BiS, 5 ml EG-BiS, and 10 ml EG-BiS were synthesized by employing solvothermal route. X-ray diffraction, UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence, Raman, scanning electron microscopic studies confirmed the structural, optical, morphological behaviors. The XRD pattern of BiS, 5 ml EG-BiS, and 10 ml EG-BiS was correlated well with JCPDS # 65-2435. The crystallite size was found to be 57, 49, and 40 nm. The photoluminescence spectra showed semiconducting property of prepared BiS, 5 ml EG-BiS, and 10 ml EG-BiS. The absorption spectra of BiS, 5 ml EG-BiS, and 10 ml EG-BiS nanorods were well matched with the spectra of a previous report. The bandgap values of BiS, 5 ml EG-BiS, and 10 ml EG-BiS were calculated to be 1.56, 1.45, and 1.3 eV in reducing order. The morphology of BiS, 5 ml EG-BiS, and 10 ml EG-BiS samples showed the development of nanorods. The 10 ml EG-BiS sample showed better development of nanorods with the addition of ethylene glycol. The agglomeration was considerably reduced with the mixing of solvent. BiS, 5 ml EG-BiS, and 10 ml EG-BiS catalysts were added to the methylene blue dye solution and its photocatalytic properties were investigated by reducing toxic pollutants under light. The 10 ml EG-BiS sample with neutral pH and 0.1 g of catalyst was added and investigated which showed 86% of efficiency towards dye degradation. The narrow bandgap, defined morphology of 10 ml EG-BiS, made a positive result towards efficient photocatalytic activity.