Comparative effect of adsorption and photodegradation on benzene and naphtalene using bismuth oxide modify graphene oxide

The removal of pollutants derived from oil industry takes relevance in industrial zones moreover if some of them has been reported as carcinogenic and detrimental to public health at low concentrations. In this research was explored the synergic effect between adsorption of the hydrocarbon's benzene and naphthalene and its photodegradation under visible irradiation. The capabilities of system graphene oxide (GO) - bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) were evaluated both as adsorbent and active semiconductor for the removal of benzene and naphthalene in aqueous media. The content ratio between materials was changed to evaluate the effect on its properties. The X-ray diffraction indicates the stability of α-bismuth oxide which is known as an efficient photo catalyst meanwhile Raman spectroscopy indicates the successfully obtaining of detached layer of graphene oxide. The energy band gap of the most photoactive composites materials indicates an increase comparing with bare GO, this increase is favorable to decrease the high electron transfer in its surface. The removal efficiency of benzene and naphthalene indicate the predominance of the adsorption process; the highest elimination was for naphthalene removing 73 percent of the pollutant in aqueous media. The results indicate the system as a promising alternative for the elimination of contaminants derived from the hydrocarbons industry when present in aqueous media. (author)