Evaluation of biosynthesized GO@CeO2 nanocomposites as a catalyst for UV-assisted degradation of organic dyes and phytotoxicity studies

Abstract

The availability of clean water for human use is one of the world's most pressing problems, and scientists are working hard to find a solution. Water that has been treated using nanotechnology is free of harmful microbes and organic dyes, making it superior to older treatment techniques. This research investigated the effects of light on graphene oxide nanocomposites infused with biosynthesized CeO2 nanoparticles. Numerous techniques were applied to characterize the as-prepared nanocomposites, including HRTEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, UV-Vis, and Raman spectroscopy. Adsorbing and photodegrading CV, MB, and AO from an aqueous solution was accomplished with the help of a GO@CeO2 nanocomposite. Adsorption and photodegradation of the GO@CeO2 nanocomposite occur significantly more rapidly and efficiently in the presence of visible light than in the absence of light. The GO@CeO2 compound was able to eliminate 85 % of CV, 91.81 % of MB, and 87 % of AO in under 90 min. Adsorption alone is ineffective against CV, MB, and AO, but photodegradation in visible light is superior. According to the results of a research study with fenugreek plants, the treated effluents do not have any phytotoxic effects. Degradation of organic dyes in industrial wastewater using the GO@CeO2 catalyst was proven to be an efficient and inexpensive method.