Photocatalytic activity of nanocrystalline mesoporous-assembled TiO2 photocatalyst for degradation of methyl orange monoazo dye in aqueous wastewater

In this work, nanocrystalline mesoporous-assembled TiO₂ photocatalyst was synthesized by a sol–gel process with the aid of a structure-directing surfactant and employed for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange azo dye (monoazo dye), as compared to various commercially available non-mesoporous-assembled TiO₂ powders. The experimental results showed that the synthesized mesoporous-assembled TiO₂ nanocrystal calcined at 500 °C provided superior decolorization and degradation performance to the non-mesoporous-assembled commercial TiO₂ powders. In addition, several operational parameters affecting the decolorization and degradation of methyl orange, namely photocatalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, H₂O₂ concentration, and initial solution pH, were systematically investigated, using the mesoporous-assembled TiO₂ nanocrystal. The optimum conditions were a photocatalyst dosage of 7 g/l, an initial dye concentration of 5 mg/l, a H₂O₂ concentration of 0.5 M, and an initial solution pH of 4.7, exhibiting the highest decolorization rate of methyl orange.     

Sol-gel synthesis of nanostructured ZnO/SrZnO2 with boosted antibacterial and photocatalytic activity

Due to extensive industrialization, toxic dyes and pathogenic microbes are contaminating water supplies at an alarming rate. This situation is alarming for humans and all other living organisms that directly or indirectly depend upon water. Photocatalysis is the best technique for eliminating harmful dyes and pathogenic microbes from drinking water since it is cost-effective and ecologically acceptable. To improve the effectiveness of the photocatalysis technique, materials researchers must develop an ideal photocatalyst with a narrow-bandgap, a broad absorption range, and efficient charge separation. Here, we adopted a facile sol-gel technique to synthesize a nanostructured ZnO/SrZnO₂ composite that acts as an efficient visible light-triggered photocatalyst. The prepared photocatalyst mineralized the azo dye (Congo red, CR) and destroyed the bacterial strain (Escherichia Coli, E-Coli) under visible-light-irradiation. The photocatalytic test findings revealed that the as-prepared ZnO/SrZnO₂ composite exhibited a higher photocatalytic efficiency of mineralizing 92.4% of the CR dye as compared to SrZnO₂ (57.9%) and ZnO (34.6%). Kinetic analysis revealed that the CR dye degradation rate over ZnO/SrZnO₂ nanocomposite was 5.6 times faster than pure ZnO while 2.5 times faster than SrZnO₂. Scavenger's experiments proposed that the peroxide free-radical play a key role, while the positively charged holes play a minor role in the mineralization of CR dye. Additionally, the ZnO/SrZnO₂ composite also shows better antibacterial action, as it kills E.coli more effectively by interfering with its essential cellular activities/functions. The photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of our manufactured ZnO/SrZnO₂ nanocomposite indicate that it has significant potential to mineralize the poisonous dyes and kill pathogenic microbes.     

A novel approach for the synthesis of highly active ZnO/TiO2/Ag2O nanocomposite and its photocatalytic applications

The present work is focused on the preparation of hybrid ZnO/TiO₂/Ag₂O nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic activity. The resultant samples are characterized by using XRD, SEM, EDX, HR-TEM, UV-DRS, BET and XPS techniques. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates the co-existence of wurtzite, anatase and cubic phases in ZnO/TiO₂/Ag₂O nanocomposite. The band gap energy value of the photocatalyst is 3.39 eV, which has been evidenced from UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye has been investigated by using UV–visible spectrophotometer. From the result, it has been concluded that ZnO/TiO₂/Ag₂O nanocomposite has proven to be an efficient photocatalyst under UV irradiation when compared to that of mono and binary oxide systems. Further, the possible photodegradation mechanism is proposed to support the enhancement of photocatalytic activity towards degradation of dyes.     

Efficient solar photocatalyst based on cobalt oxide/iron oxide composite nanofibers for the detoxification of organic pollutants

A Co₃O₄/Fe₂O₃ composite nanofiber-based solar photocatalyst has been prepared, and its catalytic performance was evaluated by degrading acridine orange (AO) and brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) beneath solar light. The morphological and physiochemical structure of the synthesized solar photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FESEM indicates that the Co₃O₄/Fe₂O₃ composite has fiber-like nanostructures with an average diameter of approximately 20 nm. These nanofibers are made of aggregated nanoparticles having approximately 8.0 nm of average diameter. The optical properties were examined by UV-visible spectrophotometry, and the band gap of the solar photocatalyst was found to be 2.12 eV. The as-grown solar photocatalyst exhibited high catalytic degradation in a short time by applying to degrade AO and BCB. The pH had an effect on the catalytic performance of the as-grown solar photocatalyst, and it was found that the synthesized solar photocatalyst is more efficient at high pH. The kinetics study of both AO and BCB degradation indicates that the as-grown nanocatalyst would be a talented and efficient solar photocatalyst for the removal of hazardous and toxic organic materials.     

Generation of mesoporous n-p-n (ZnO–CuO–CeO2) heterojunction for highly efficient photodegradation of micro-organic pollutants

In this research, a mesoporous rod-shaped ZnO/CuO/CeO₂ n-p-n heterojunction has been designed via a two-step co-precipitation technique for photocatalytic applications. Characterization by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques confirmed the formation of mesoporous rod-shaped ZnO/CuO/CeO₂ n-p-n heterojunction having preferred interface developing between the ZnO, CuO, and CeO₂ phases, thus extended the light-absorption window up to 800 nm. Under sunlight, the ability of a mesoporous ZnO/CuO/CeO₂ n-p-n heterojunction to act as a photocatalyst was tested with methyl orange (MO) and crystal violet (CV) as target molecules. We found the degradation efficiencies of CV and MO dyes on mesoporous ZnO/CuO/CeO₂ to be 96% and 88%, respectively, after 90 min of sunlight irradiation. The estimated rate constants (k, min^?1) for deterioration of CV and MO under sunlight over ZnO/CuO/CeO₂ composite were 0.039 and 0.022 min^?1, respectively. We endorsed the greater photo-response, the well-aligned band-structure, and practical usage of the photo-induced carriers of the mesoporous photocatalyst to be the leading causes for the outstanding photocatalytic properties of ZnO/CuO/CeO₂ n-p-n heterojunction. The ultimate oxidizing species that destroyed dyes were O₂￣ and ·OH over ZnO/CuO/CeO₂ photocatalyst under sunlight illumination. Besides, the recycling tests confirmed the high photostability of the ZnO/CuO/CeO₂ photocatalyst. Hopefully, the mesoporous rod-shaped architecture of the n-p-n heterojunction with anticipated interface manufacturing will assist the photocatalyst strategy with better photocatalytic action under sunlight irradiation.     

Comparative study on the sonophotocatalytic degradation of hazardous waste

The enhanced sonophotocatalytic degradation of Chrome Intra Orange G (C.I. 18745), an azo dye, in aqueous solution under UV light has been carried out using solvothermally sensitized ZnO nanoparticles as catalyst. The effects of sonolysis, sonocatalysis, photocatalysis and sonophotocatalysis have been examined to study the influences on the degradation rates by varying the initial dye concentration, dye solution pH, catalyst morphology and loading to ascertain the synergistic effect on the degradation techniques. ZnO sonophotocatalysis was always faster than the respective individual processes. Ultrasound may modify the rate of photocatalytic degradation by promoting the deaggregation of the catalyst and ultrasound-induced increase of its active surface area, by increasing the amount of reactive radical species through cavitation leading to water splitting and formation of H₂O₂ by both photocatalysis and sonolysis. To further verify the direct relation of the effective surface area offered by ZnO to its reaction rate, sonophotocatalysis experiments were conducted using nanorods of different dimensions and aspect ratios. Higher aspect ratio values correspond to an enhancement of the sonophotocatalytic activity.     

Photocatalytic degradation of Direct Yellow 12 dye using UV/TiO2 in a shallow pond slurry reactor

The adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of diazo Direct Yellow 12 (Chrysophenine G), commonly used as a cotton, paper and leather dye has been investigated in aqueous suspension of semiconductor oxide TiO₂ as photocatalyst in a non-concentrating shallow pond slurry type reactor under UV light. The adsorption of dye on the semiconductor shows a strong dependence on the pH and follows a Langmuir adsorption model. The studies include dark adsorption experiments at different pH conditions and their effect on initial rate of photodegradation. The effect of initial concentration of dye, catalyst loading, pH, addition of oxidant on the reaction rate was ascertained and optimum conditions for maximum degradation was determined. The disappearance of the organic molecule follows approximately a pseudo-first kinetic order according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. COD analysis of the dye under optimum conditions showed 94% reduction in COD after 2.5 h and complete decolourisation as determined by UV–vis analysis was achieved in 1.5 h.     

Preparation of novel nanocomposites by deposition of Ag2WO4 and AgI over ZnO particles: Efficient plasmonic visible-light-driven photocatalysts through a cascade mechanism

A series of novel ZnO/Ag/Ag₂WO₄/AgI nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized by a facile ultrasonic-irradiation method and their photocatalytic activities were explored under visible-light illumination using rhodamine B. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by various techniques to determine their structural, morphological, and electronical properties. Effect of the amount of AgI, as visible-light sensitizer, on the photocatalytic activity was studied and it was found that the nanocomposite with 30% of AgI displayed the highest photocatalytic activity. Activity of this photocatalyst was almost 150, 17.8, and 55.1 times greater than those of the ZnO, ZnO/Ag/Ag₂WO₄, and ZnO/AgI photocatalysts, respectively. Besides, the importance of active species during the degradation process was explored and it was shown that superoxide anion radical has major role in the photodegradation reaction. Moreover, the outstanding performance of the best nanocomposite in degradations of three more dye pollutants was confirmed. Finally, a cascade mechanism was proposed for the greatly enhanced activity of the nanocomposites in degradation reactions.     

Synergistic effect of La+Mo addition and optimum pH on the photocatalytic dye decomposition efficiency of spray pyrolyzed ZnO thin films

This work explores the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of lanthanum (La) and molybdenum (Mo) incorporated ZnO films deposited by nebulizer spray pyrolysis onto glass slides. The influence of La and (La + Mo) doping on certain physical properties was investigated. Photocatalytic behavior of the films was studied against methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) dyes. The impacts of dye adsorption, point of zero charge, and dye solution pH on the catalytic activity of ZnO:La:Mo films were probed and compared with those of their counterparts ZnO and ZnO:La thin films. The obtained results demonstrated that ZnO:La:Mo photocatalyst exhibited greater efficiency, reaching 98% and 85% degradation after 60 min for the cationic and anionic dyes, respectively for optimum pH. The degradation reactions follow the first-order kinetics and the rate of degradation increases by adding La and (La + Mo) to ZnO. The ZnO:La:Mo thin film exhibits excellent recyclability and stability even after five runs. A possible photocatalytic mechanism has also been proposed.     

液相法直接制备Ti-ZnO及其光催化性能研究

以硫酸氧钛、醋酸锌、氢氧化钠为出发原料,在醇水溶液体系中,通过液相法直接制备了尺寸为25 nm的Ti-ZnO纳米晶体,ZnO为纤锌矿结构。Ti-ZnO显示出优异的光催化性能,在紫外灯照6 h后,Ti-ZnO对甲基橙的降解率达到97.34%。     

Photocatalytic Decolorization of Dye Effluent Using Radiation Developed Polymeric Nanocomposites

In this study [acrylic acid/p(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)] (AAc/PVP) hydrogel was prepared using gamma irradiation technique. The prepared hydrogel was used as a template for in situ preparation of ZnO photocatalyst up to three deposition cycles. The structure, the thermal property, and the surface morphology of (AAc/PVP/ZnO) nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained nanocomposite was tested for the degradation of methyl blue dye (MB) in the aqueous medium using UV-light. The effect of operational parameters on the degradation of MB such as UV irradiation time, pH, and initial dye concentration were examined. It was found that complete decolorization of MB dye was achieved after 45 min at pH 4. The degradation rate fitted the pseudo-first-order model and the rate of the photocatalytic reaction of the first preparation cycle of ZnO was higher than that of the third preparation cycle.     

Photocatalytic degradation of azo dye using TiO2 supported on spherical activated carbon

TiO₂ supported on spherical activated carbon (TiO₂/SAC) was prepared through an ion-exchange method followed by a heat-treatment process. The adsorption characteristic of TiO₂/SAC was evaluated using azo dye methyl orange (MO) as a target substance, and the photocatalytic degradation of MO under UV irradiation was also discussed. A synergistic effect of both the adsorption capacity of activated carbon and the photoactivity of TiO₂ on the removal of MO from aqueous solution was observed. Experimental results revealed that the photocatalytic degradation of MO improved with increasing photocatalyst dosage and followed a pseudo-first order kinetic. After five-cycle runs, TiO₂/SAC still exhibited relatively high photocatalytic characteristic for the degradation of MO. Besides, the prepared TiO₂/SAC can be helpful in the easy separation of photocatalyst from solution after photocatalysis of MO. Furthermore, the use of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) technique, identified three intermediates as degradation products during the photocatalytic reaction of MO with TiO₂/SAC.     

Y掺杂ZnO的制备及其光催化性能

采用化学沉淀法制备Y/ZnO光催化剂,以光催化降解甲基橙为探针反应,考察Y掺杂的ZnO光催化活性,并采用X射线衍射、红外光谱和紫外漫反射等手段对其进行结构表征.结果表明,Y掺杂的ZnO光催化剂对甲基橙降解具有良好的活性.活性及催化剂结构表征结果表明,最佳Y掺杂质量分数为0.1%,以掺杂Y质量分数为0.1%的Y/ZnO为...     

纳米ZnO的制备及其光催化性能研究

本文以羟丙基纤维素（HPC）作为分散剂,运用沉淀法制备出了粒径均匀的ZnO颗粒.通过透射电子显微镜（TEM）,X射线衍射（XRD）,紫外可见光吸收光谱,光致发光谱（PL）对ZnO进行了性能表征,并探讨了其形成机理及制备中的影响因素.利用纳米ZnO作为光催化剂对有机染料罗丹明B进行了光降解实验,实验结果表明,此方法制备的ZnO具有良好的光催化性能,有望在治理环境污染等领域具有良好的应用.     

Attachment of ZnO nanoparticles onto layered double hydroxides microspheres for high performance photocatalysis

In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were successfully deposited on the surface of ZnMgAl–CO₃–LDHs microspheres to form ZnO/ZnMgAl–CO₃–LDHs heterojunction photocatalysts by coprecipitation process. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results show that ZnO nanoparticles with diameters about 10–80 nm are tightly grown on the nanosheets of the ZnMgAl–CO₃–LDHs microspheres. Compared with the pristine ZnMgAl–CO₃–LDHs microspheres and pure ZnO, the photocatalytic activity of the heterojunction ZnO/ZnMgAl–CO₃–LDHs photocatalyst is significantly enhanced towards the degradation of phenol under UV light irradiation. The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of the heterojunction catalysts can be ascribed to their improved light absorption property and the lower recombination rate of the photoexcited electrons and holes during the photocatalytic reaction. The optimal molar ratio of ZnO/ZnMgAl–CO₃–LDHs for the photocatalysis is 3. The heterojunction photocatalyst ZnO/ZnMgAl–CO₃–LDHs may be a promising photocatalyst for future application in water treatment due to its excellent performance in degradation of phenol.     

Titanium dioxide mediated photocatalyzed degradation of a textile dye derivative, acid orange 8, in aqueous suspensions

Titanium dioxide mediated photocatalysed degradation of a textile dye derivative, acid orange 8(1), was investigated in aqueous suspensions of titanium dioxide by monitoring the depletion of total organic carbon (TOC) content as a function of irradiation time under a variety of conditions. The degradation kinetics were studied under different conditions such as pH, catalyst concentration, substrate concentration, different types of TiO₂ and in the presence of electron acceptors such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and potassium bromate (KBrO₃) besides molecular oxygen. The degradation rates were found to be strongly influenced by all the above parameters. The photocatalyst Degussa P25 was found to be more efficient compared with other photocatalysts. The dye was found to be adsorbed on the surface of the photocatalyst at acidic pH.     

Surfactant-free synthesis of a novel octahedral ZnFe2O4/graphene composite with high adsorption and good photocatalytic activity for efficient treatment of dye wastewater

Recently, significant effort has been made toward the development of graphene-based visible-ligh-responsive photocatalysts and their application to dye wastewater treatment. Herein, a series of octahedral ZnFe₂O₄/graphene (ZnFe₂O₄-G) nanocomposites were synthesized using a one-pot solvothermal reaction without the need of a surfactant as novel bifunctional materials exhibiting both high adsorption and good visible-light-responsive photocatalyst properties. The crystal structure, morphology and photocatalytic degradation properties, as well as adsorption behavior, of the octahedral ZnFe₂O₄/graphene composites were investigated in detail. The adsorption capacity and UV–vis spectrometry results indicate that the dye removal efficiency over the samples followed the order of: methylene blue (MB) > rhodamine B (RhB) > methyl orange (MO). The ZnFe₂O₄-G materials exhited enhanced photocatalytic degradation properties for cationic dyes (MB and RhB) compared to those for the anionic dye (MO). In addition, the experimental results indicate that the ZnFe₂O₄-G materials can decompose H₂O₂ in the visible-light photocatalytic process to form hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which are mainly responsible for the photodegradation of the organic contaminants.     

Fabrication of novel SnWO4/ZnO using Muntingia calabura L. leaf extract with enhanced photocatalytic methylene blue degradation under visible light irradiation

In this study, SnWO₄/ZnO heterostructure has been successfully constructed using Muntingia calabura L. leaf extract (MCE). We conducted phytochemical tests to qualitatively detect the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins, which play an essential role in the formation of SnWO₄/ZnO. The photocatalytic activities of pristine SnWO₄, pristine ZnO, and SnWO₄/ZnO heterostructure were evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. To investigate the photocatalytic activity of SnWO₄/ZnO heterostructure in the visible region, the adsorption effect of SnWO₄/ZnO was also studied. SnWO₄/ZnO heterostructure shows the highest degradation percentage of 82.86% within 120 min compared to pristine SnWO₄ and ZnO, which exhibit the degradation percentage of 69.48 and 40.41%, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic of MB degradation is attributed to the formation of SnWO₄/ZnO heterostructure as a result of the decreased optical bandgap from 3.06 to 2.68 eV due to the low recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. SnWO₄/ZnO shows a remarkable photocatalyst for dyes degradation with remarkable stability after four consecutive cycles. Importantly, this work demonstrates a simple eco-friendly, and low-cost green synthesis method to produce SnWO₄/ZnO with excellent photocatalytic activity and stability for dyes degradation under visible light irradiation.     

Effect of cerium ions in Ce-Doped ZnO nanostructures on their photocatalytic and picric acid chemical sensing

Nanostructured ZnO doped with different Ce precursor concentrations (1, 5 and 10 mol%) has been prepared via co-precipitation method and tested for their photocatalytic and chemical sensing performances toward methyl orange (MO) and picric acid (PA) chemicals, respectively. After addition of Ce dopant, the spherical morphology of ZnO particles changed to a cone-like structure and exhibited the single-phase wurtzite structure, except for the 10 mol % dopant concentration. Blue-shift was detected in 5 mol% Ce doping, and this was found to be the optimum concentration for achieving the maximum dye degradation and sensing performances. The 5 mol% Ce doped ZnO expressed the complete MO degradation under UV light illumination, but the decrease in MO degradation with 10 mol% Ce doped ZnO was suggested to suppress the Ce³⁺ character in the sample. Facile redox couple Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ appeared to improve the charge separation of Ce-doped ZnO upon UV illumination, forming the basis for release of O_2, leading to increased catalytic and PA sensing performances.     

Mn-doped ZrO2 nanoparticles prepared by a template-free method for electrochemical energy storage and abatement of dye degradation

A template-free technique was used to prepare pure and Mn-doped ZrO₂ photocatalyst samples in this study. The effect of doping on the structural, optical, photocatalytic, and supercapacitor properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the prepared samples had a tetragonal crystal structure. The optical band gap was narrowed due to the incorporation of Mn ions. The photocatalytic activity of methyl orange organic dye degradation with the Mn-doped ZrO₂ sample was examined under visible-light irradiation. The doped sample showed 83% of dye degradation after 100 min of irradiation. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the supercapacitor properties, and the doped samples exhibited capacitance seven times greater than that of the pure sample.