In situ deposition of NiO nano particles on cotton fabric using sol–gel method- photocatalytic activation properties

Abstract

In this research, NiO nanoparticles were synthesized and in-situ deposited on cotton fibers to investigate photocatalytic activity and degradation dye pollutants from wastewater. NiO NPs were prepared by the sol–gel method in two acidic and basic media with different precursors (nickel nitrate hexahydrate and nickel chloride hexahydrate) at the optimal temperature with similar concentrations. The synthesized nanoparticles were studied by powder XRD, SEM, FESEM, EDAX, VSM, UV–Vis, PL and Total Organic Carbon. The results of the X-ray diffraction pattern of NiO nanoparticles show all specimens have a simple cubic structure with upper crystallinity that was used Debye–Scherrer equation for calculation size of nanoparticles. The smallest crystallite size related to Nickel nitrate hexahydrate sample in basic medium. Scanning electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope were used for studying morphological properties. Vibrating sample magnetometer analysis showed that all specimens had ferromagnetic properties. The photocatalytic activity of NiO nanoparticles deposited upon cotton fibers were investigated. Controlling the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV irradiation revealed Photocatalytic characteristics of deposited cotton fibers. The results show that, the concentration of the (MB) as a colorant exposing under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in presence of NiO deposited cotton is diminished. The degredation of MB dye is attributed to the production of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals as oxidant species.