Abstract
Objectives: This study was undertaken to examine the decolorization of mercuric picrate with ZnO as a photocatalyst. Methodology: The photo catalytic decolorization of mercuric picrate in the presence of heterogeneous semiconductor in the aqueous solution has been investigated. The progress of the reaction was checked by Shimadzu 1600 UV visible spectrophotometer at different time intervals. The effect of various operational parameters was studied such as the effect of mercuric picrate concentration, amount of photo catalyst, effect of light intensity, effect of band gap and effect of pH on the solution of mercuric picrate. The study on the effect of radial quenchers such as methanol and ethanol were used. Findings: The optimum conditions were obtained as pH =5.0, [Hg-picrate] = 6 ×10-5 M, amount of ZnO = 250 mg, light intensity =7.61 mWcm-2. The rate constent ontained was k= 7.30 × 10-3 min-1. The reaction proceeded through oxidation by hrdroxyl radial confirmed by scavenger. Zinc oxide is effective photocatalyst for decolorization of Hg-picrate. Other semiconductors like ZnS, CdS as well as PbS are not capable to carry out photoreaction. A tentative mechanism for this reaction has been proposed. Novelty: Mercuric Picrate is a probably explosive toxic substance. Hence a safe way to decompose this molecule into smaller and nonexplosive ways is of crucial importance. Photocatalysis is well established method. However, decomposition of mercuric picrate to a safe level can be achieved by this method. Keywords: Advanced oxidation processes; decolorization; Zinc oxide; mercuric picrate
Highlights
Heavy metals are present in the effluents of different type of industries like paint, lather tanning, electroplating, battery manufacturing and agriculture [1,2]
There has been an enormous amount of research and development carried out in the area of heterogeneous photocatalytic for water purification process due to its effectiveness in degrading and mineralizing[10]
In present study ZnO semiconductor used as a photo catalyst because of its excellent properties, high redox potential, nontoticity, environmentally friendly and low cost as well as wide band gap energy (3.37 eV) and high exciton binding energy (60 meV) [12,13,14,15]
Summary
Heavy metals are present in the effluents of different type of industries like paint, lather tanning, electroplating, battery manufacturing and agriculture [1,2]. Shukla et al / Indian Journal of Science and Technology 2020;13(15):1589–1595 oxidation processes (AOPs) have received increasing attention in the research and development of wastewater treatment technologies in the last decades [6]. There has been an enormous amount of research and development carried out in the area of heterogeneous photocatalytic for water purification process due to its effectiveness in degrading and mineralizing[10]. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a process in which the degradation of organic pollutants is governed by the combined action of a semiconductor catalyst, an emitted light and an oxidizing agent[11]. In present study ZnO semiconductor used as a photo catalyst because of its excellent properties, high redox potential, nontoticity, environmentally friendly and low cost as well as wide band gap energy (3.37 eV) and high exciton binding energy (60 meV) [12,13,14,15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
