Photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue and rhodamine B using Ag–Ag 2 SeO 3 /Ppy nano‑photocatalyst from aqueous solutions: experimental design optimization

Present research examines the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) using Ag–Ag 2 SeO 3 /Ppy nanocomposite as stable photocatalyst with assistance of visible light. Accordingly, FE-SEM, XRD, DRS, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photocurrent response, PL, FTIR, and EDS represent detail of composition and characterization of present photocatalyst. The maximum photo-decomposition efficiency of MB and RhB is 90.51% and 82.86% respectively. To attain practical knowledge about main and interaction part of variables, the optimization was undertaken by central composite design (CCD). Accordingly, as seen as by analyzing experimental results, highest output was achieved at 20 and 15 mg L −1 of RhB and MB using 0.02 g of photocatalyst, pH = 8 and 25 min agitation in the exposure of LED, respectively. Criterion for Judgment about significant terms was undertaken by analysis of variance according to the P value to estimate suitability of the model. At best operational conditions, kinetic parameter assigned to photodegradation and experimental results follow first-order model. Finally, contribution of active species and reproducibility and stability of response assigned to current method were investigated. Graphical abstract