Preparation and characterization of Bi-doped TiO2 and its solar photocatalytic activity for the degradation of isoproturon herbicide

Bi-doped TiO2 catalyst was prepared by sol–gel method and was characterized by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD), X-ray photo electronic spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) and BET surface area. The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts were evaluated for the degradation of isoproturon herbicide under solar light irradiation. The UV–Visible DRS of Bi-doped TiO2 showed red shift in optical absorption. The presence of Bi3+δ+ species are playing a vital role in minimizing the electron hole recombination resulting higher activity compared to bare TiO2.