Synergistic effects of micronanobubbles and AC/Ag–TiO2 nanocomposites in photocatalytic process

The AC/Ag–TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by sol-gel method using different concentrations of Ag. Comprehensive characterization of the crystalline structure, surface morphology, elemental composition, and optical properties of the AC/Ag–TiO2 photocatalysts was carried out using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, and UV–vis DRS techniques. Consequently, a detailed investigation into the photocatalytic degradation of Indigo Carmine (IC) and Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dyes was conducted, thoroughly examining the involved photocatalytic mechanisms. The study revealed promising outcomes, particularly with the hybrid photocatalyst AC/0.5%Ag–TiO2, showcasing enhanced characteristics in both photooxidation and absorption processes, thereby boosting overall efficacy for IC (70.15%) and RB5 (69.9%). Remarkably, the introduction of small air bubbles significantly improved the removal efficiency of IC and RB5 dyes, achieving removal levels of 93.66% and 88.66%, respectively. The utilization of these micro-nanobubble systems (MNBs) resulted in notably higher first-order reaction constants compared to scenarios without MNBs, indicating the pivotal role of the photocatalyst in dye removal processes. Additionally, the photocatalyst showed unmatched efficacy in eliminating the pesticide carbaryl, attaining 100% removal with and without the presence of MNBs. Moreover, the AC/Ag–TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited significant inhibition of both gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, showcasing its capability to curb their growth even without MNB aeration. This underscores its potential for applications in environmental remediation and microbial control.