Fast photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye using a low-power diode laser

Highlights: • Photocatalytic oxidation of methylene blue was studied under laser light irradiation. • Fast removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution was achieved. • The photocatalyst Ag/AgCl is efficient and stable under 443 nm laser light irritation. • Diode laser is a good light source for photocatalytic degradation of dyes. - Abstract: This study focused on the application of diode lasers as alternative light sources for the fast photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. The photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue in aqueous solution under 443 nm laser light irradiation was found to be technically feasible using Ag/AgCl nanoparticles as photocatalysts. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as irradiation time, light source, catalyst loading, initial dye concentration, pH, and laser energy on decolorization and degradation were investigated. The mineralization of methylene blue was confirmed by chemical oxygen demand analysis. The results demonstrate that the laser-induced photocatalytic process can effectively degrade methylene blue under the optimum conditions (pH 9.63, 4 mg/L MB concentration, and 1.4 g/L Ag/AgCl nanoparticles)