Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue from aqueous solution using green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles

Ramasubramanian, Arumugam; Selvaraj, Vijayan; Chinnathambi, Pothiraj; Hussain, Shahid; Ali, Daoud; Kumar, Gokhlesh; Balaji, Paulraj; Sagadevan, Suresh

doi:10.1007/s13399-023-04992-2

Cited by 8 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 63 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Metal oxide semiconductors such as TiO 2 , SnO 2 , and ZnO have been investigated in recent studies. Reports have highlighted ZnO as a crucial semiconducting photocatalyst due to its photosensitivity, stability, low toxicity, availability, excellent electron mobility, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility for use in several synthesis techniques [ 4 , 8 ]. However, the rapid recombination of electron–hole pairs in its structure limits its photocatalytic application [ 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable Development of ZnO Nanostructure Doping with Water Hyacinth-Derived Activated Carbon for Visible-Light Photocatalysis

Krobthong,

Rungsawang,

Khaodara

et al. 2024

Toxics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Water hyacinth (Wh) is an aquatic weed considered a nuisance in agricultural and fishing activities. Therefore, this study proposed repurposing this plant into activated carbon (AC). First, the ZnO-AC was precipitated and applied as a photocatalyst for degrading methylene blue. The preliminary photocatalytic test under UV irradiation identified the optimum ZnO-AC photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue (MB). The ZnO-AC photocatalyst recorded the highest degradation rate constant of 11.49 × 10−3 min−1, which was almost two-fold higher than that of ZnO (5.55 × 10−3 min−1). Furthermore, photocatalytic degradation of MB and carbaryl under sunlight irradiation by ZnO-AC demonstrated degradation rate constants of 74.46 × 10−3 min−1 and 8.43 × 10−3 min−1, respectively. To investigate the properties of ZnO-AC, several techniques were performed. ZnO-AC and ZnO exhibited similar results in morphology, crystalline structure, and Raman characteristics. However, ZnO-AC presented smaller pore diameters than those of ZnO, which enlarged pore surface area, and the presence of carbon-related groups implied the presence of AC on ZnO-AC surfaces. This can be attributed to the presence of AC on the ZnO surface, increasing the capture of surrounding toxic molecules and elevating the reaction density. This mechanism is attributed to promoting the degradation of toxic molecules. Therefore, using Wh as a carbon source for the transformation of AC can alternatively solve the problems of aquatic weed management and carbon storage strategies, and the application of AC in ZnO-AC photocatalysts can enhance photocatalysis.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%