Manganese Incorporated Eosin Y Dye/Graphene Nanocomposite: an Efficient Visible Light Active Photocatalyst

Abstract A novel graphene supported Mn-doped Eosin Y based nanocomposite has been successfully prepared by hydrothermal method. Eosin Y–graphene nanocomposite acts uniquely as a metal free visible light photocatlyst without TiO2 or Bismuth Vanadate and incorporation of Mn further enhances the activity of the composite. Photocatalyst was active under visible light and photocatalytic activity strongly depends on pH of the degrading dye solutions. Photo-activation of the system in visible light is the consequence of Eosin Y doping while strong photocatalytic performance of the composite is attributed to reduce graphene oxide that supports better mobility of electrons within composites as well as provide more sites for photo-reduction. This newly developed composite has a potential to remove industrial dyes efficiently and cheaply to reduce water pollution.