Photoinduced reactions between Pb3O4 and organic dyes in aqueous solution under visible light.

Pb(3)O(4) could react with organic dyes in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation, in which Pb(3)O(4) was transformed into Pb(3)(CO(3))(2)(OH)(2) along with oxidation of the organic dyes. Cu(2+) has considerable effect on the reaction. In the presence of Cu(2+), MO (20 ppm) and RhB (10(-5) mol L(-1)) were completely degraded under visible light within 6 and 20 min, respectively, while both Pb(3)O(4) and Cu(2+) keep almost stable during photodegradation. The mechanisms of the reactions with and without Cu(2+) ions were studied. The photochemical system of Pb(3)O(4) cooperating with Cu(2+) ions is probably used for the treatment of organic pollutants in water under visible light.