Synthesis and characterization of Cs2TiX6 (X = Cl, Br) double perovskites for photocatalytic dye degradation

Abstract

Massive efforts have been undertaken for better utilization of solar energy in environmental and energy applications. The creation of environmentally friendly, economically viable and chemically efficient processes is today’s key chemistry challenge. The primary goal of this study is to synthesize and confirm the viability of lead-free halide perovskite for photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of organic dyes – namely, eosin B and eosin Y – in water solutions when exposed to visible light. The lead-free cesium titanium halide Cs2TiX6 (X = Cl, Br) double-perovskite compound was successfully synthesized using the solution-processing method. The effective synthesis of perovskite photocatalysts was confirmed by various optical, morphological and structural characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, zeta potential measurement, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Positive zeta values reveal that the generated photocatalyst is functional with the adsorption of anionic dyes. The photodegradation efficiency of eosin Y by the synthesized perovskite photocatalysts is substantially higher than that of eosin B. The photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of Cs2TiCl6 and Cs2TiBr6 perovskite photocatalysts are 59.12 and 48.77% for eosin B and 72.35 and 89.94% for eosin Y, respectively.