Visible light photodegradation of dyes and paracetamol by direct sensitization mechanism onto metallic MoO2 nanocrystals

MoO2 nanocrystals were prepared by solvothermal treatment of a Mo chloromethoxide at 250 °C in oleic acid. The monoclinic phase, with mean crystallite size 29 nm, formed through reduction molybdenum bronzes. as-prepared free from organics, allowing their use photodegradation tests organic pollutants (methylene blue, rhodamine B, paracetamol), without any preliminary purification the nanocrystals. It was found that an efficient adsorbent methylene blue (43 mg g−1 for 1.5 × 10−4 M concentration) dark and catalyst under visible light (all removed solution after 240 min). From analysis combined B paracetamol, it clarified direct sensitization responsible photodegradation. This finding related to work function value metallic MoO2, placed more negative values if compared other materials.