Simple route for the preparation of nanosized terbium tungstate with different morphology and investigation of its photocatalytic application

Abstract

In the current study, Tb₂(WO₄)₃ nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple route based on the reaction between terbium nitrate hexahydrate and sodium tungstate dihydrate in an aqueous solution. Besides, three amino acids such as glycine, cysteine, and alanine were used to investigate their effects on the morphology and particle size of Tb₂(WO₄)₃ nanoparticles. The formation of pure crystallized Tb₂(WO₄)₃ nanocrystals occurred when the precursor was heat-treated at 700 °C in air for 3 h. The stages of the formation of Tb₂(WO₄)₃, as well as the characterization of the resulting compounds were made using UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction. The magnetic properties of as-prepared Tb₂(WO₄)₃ nanoparticles were also investigated with vibrating sample magnetometer. Furthermore, the photocatalytic properties of as synthesized Tb₂(WO₄)₃ were evaluated by degradation of methyl orange as water contaminant.