A simple process for the preparation of photocatalytically active bismuth aluminate nanoparticles

Various amino acids (i.e. phenylalanine, glycine, and arginine) were used in the sol–gel synthesis of Bi₂Al₄O₉ and their effects on the size, morphology and uniformity ofthe product were evaluated through characterizing the products by electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Further vibrating sample magnetometery was used for studying the magnetism properties of Bi₂Al₄O₉ sample. The studies on the band gap of the product indicated that the product can have the potentials to act as a photocatalyst in the photo-oxidation of organic dyes under visible irradiation, and it was found that the Bi₂Al₄O₉ lead to the degradation of rhodamine B up to about 92% after 200 min, and hence possesses an effective photocatalytic activity.