Efficient degradation of methylene blue using hydrothermally synthesized V2O5 nanosheets: an innovative approach for sustainable wastewater treatment

Background The widespread use of methylene blue (MB) dye in industrial applications has resulted in severe water pollution, posing environmental and public health challenges. Conventional wastewater treatment methods often fall short in effectively removing organic dyes, necessitating the development of advanced photocatalytic solutions. Methods Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanosheets were synthesized via a hydrothermal method using the surfactant Pluronic P123 to minimize agglomeration. The nanosheets demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic properties due to their increased surface area and reduced electron-hole recombination. Under compact fluorescent lamp illumination, their ability to degrade MB dye was systematically evaluated, achieving a degradation efficiency of 97.96 % within 150 min. Significant findings The superior catalytic activity of V2O5 nanosheets was attributed to their porous structure and oxalic acid-induced thinner morphology, which facilitated enhanced H⁺ ion interaction. These nanosheets offer a promising approach for visible-light-driven dye degradation, providing a sustainable and efficient solution for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation