Preparation and Properties of Floral CaO/ZnO Nanocomposite From Achatina Fulica Snail Shell

Abstract

In this study, CaO prepared by calcination treatment from abandoned Achatina fulica shell was used as a raw material, and the nano-flower-like CaO/ZnO photocatalytic composite material was prepared through co-precipitation method. SEM study showed ZnO with spindle-like petals in the range of 500-1000 nm grown on the surface of CaO carrier. The mapping image shows that the base component of the nanometer flower is mainly CaO, which is because CaO is not only in the reaction as a carrier, but also creates an alkaline environment in the methanol system, which is advantageous for co-precipitation. UV-vis spectroscopy shows that the visible light absorption of composites has red shifts, besides, PL, EIS and photocurrent test showed that the composites have stronger electronic hole separation capabilities. The visible light degradation test of rhodamine B showed that CaO/ZnO photocatalytic composite could degrade 90% of the pollutants in 25 min, superior to CaO and ZnO, exhibiting recyclability properties, which is a potential candidate with cost-effective and sustainable photocatalysts.