Sonocatalytic performance of Tb7O12/TiO2 composite under ultrasonic irradiation

A Tb7O12/TiO2 composite was successfully synthesized through a hydrolysis-calcination process. The Tb7O12/TiO2 composite catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, UV–Vis absorption/reflection spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The heterogeneous sonocatalytic oxidation of amaranth in water, containing dispersed pure TiO2 and Tb7O12/TiO2 composite, was investigated under ultrasonic irradiation. The activity of the Tb7O12/TiO2 catalyst is higher than that of pure TiO2 during the sonodegradation of amaranth. The enhanced sonocatalytic activity of the composite may be attributed to the increase in charge separation efficiency and the presence of surface acidity.