Development of TiO$_{2}$-Xwt{\%}InVO$_{4}$ Photocatalytic Nano-composites for Ambient Light Assisted Water Detoxification

We have developed nano-composites of TiO$_{2}$-Xwt{\%}InVO$_{4}$ for environmental and biomedical research applications. TiO$_{2}$ is commonly used as catalyst that utilizes the UV portion of the sun light spectrum to induce photo-oxidation and photo-reduction processes. We hypothesized that the combination of InVO$_{4}$ and TiO$_{2}$ will result in a material that will catalyze organic contaminants through photo-oxidation under visible light. We combined TiO$_{2}$ with 2,4,6,8,10wt{\%} of InVO$_{4}$ via wet ball milling process. We have compared the various concentrations of InVO$_{4}$ on TiO$_{2}$ matrix by SEM, BET surface area analyzer, FTIR, XRD, and photodegradation of the organic contaminant Methyl Orange. After characterization we found that 4wt{\%} InVO$_{4}+$TiO$_{2}$ mixture displayed the most promising characteristics for photo-oxidation under visible light; From the BET surface area analysis it showed the largest surface area out of the prior mentioned TiO$_{2}=$ Xwt{\%} InVO$_{4}$ mixtures and a degradation amount equivalent to 50{\%} of Methyl Orange contaminant over 7 hours under visible light. In conclusion, TiO$_{2}$-Xwt{\%}InVO$_{4}$ displayed evidence of photo-oxidation under visible light conditions.