Simple sonochemical synthesis, characterization of TmVO₄ nanostructure in the presence of Schiff-base ligands and investigation of its potential in the removal of toxic dyes

Thulium vanadate (TmVO4) nanorods were successfully prepared by a simple sonochemical approach using Schiff-base ligands. Additionally, TmVO₄ nanorods were employed as a photocatalyst. The most optimal crystal structure and morphology of TmVO4 have been determined and optimized by varying Schiff-base ligands, the molar ratio of H2Salen, the sonication time and power, and the calcination time. A Eriochrome Black T (EBT) analysis revealed that the specific surface area was 24.91 m2/g. A bandgap of 2.3 eV was determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) spectroscopy, which makes this compound suitable for visible photocatalytic applications. In order to assess the photocatalytic performance under visible light, two anionic dyes (EBT) and cationic dyes (Methyl Violet (MV)) were used as models. A variety of factors have been studied in order to improve the efficiency of the photocatalytic reaction, including dye type, pH, dye concentration, and catalyst loading. Under visible light, the highest efficiency was achieved (97.7%) when 45 mg TmVO4 nanocatalysts were present in 10 ppm Eriochorome Black T at pH = 10.