Enhancement of photocatalytic degradation of MB by recyclable Li/Mn3O4 thin films

Thin films of physical mixture Hausmannite Mn3O4 and lithium (Li) are synthesized by spray pyrolysis technique. Structural, morphological, optical, electrical, wettability, photocatalytic properties have been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) Raman spectra, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, electrical measurements show that Li nanoparticles formed both on top surface the film inside grain boundaries. Bandgap Urbach energies optical relaxation time determined from transmittance T reflectance R spectra. Impedance spectroscopy shows charge separation increases with content, which improves efficiency film. The best is obtained for Li/Mn ratio 15%. Indeed, degradation methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet (UV) visible light exposure, improved a factor 5.7 2.4, respectively, when compared to undoped Mn3O4. In addition, this exhibits high photostability (10 cycles consecutively) solar light. On other hand, hydrophobicity reveals hydrophilic character films.