Abstract
As a semiconductor, zinc oxide (ZnO) has better UV absorbing properties compared to other semiconductor materials, and therefore, it has better dye degrading abilities. However, ZnO tends to agglomerate, which lead to poor degradation compared to the other semiconductors. In this study, to overcome the agglomeration of ZnO, silica (SiO2) was combined with ZnO. The composite was tested for its photocatalytic activity. The ZnO/SiO2 photocatalyst was fabricated on a glass plate. In order to investigate the addition of SiO2 on ZnO, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was used. The result of the XRD analysis demonstrates similar peak results with ZnO XRD data from ICSD 157132 with a hexagonal structure. The results indicate that the ZnO structure did not change after the addition of SiO2, while SEM-EDS results showed that SiO2 was supported on ZnO with 8% composition. The optimal composition was found to be ZnO/SiO2 95/5, as indicated by high degradation activity, which can degrade up to 89% methylene blue.
Highlights
IntroductionThe textile industry is developing at a rapid pace, and this has a positive impact on garments development
One of the means to degrade dye is by the use of a semiconductor material that has photocatalytic activity [1]
In order for zinc oxide (ZnO) and SiO2 to completely disperse in water, the suspension was stirred with a magnetic stirrer at 500 rpm for 2 hours, as recommended by prior work [4]
Summary
The textile industry is developing at a rapid pace, and this has a positive impact on garments development. It increases the negative impact through their industrial waste, especially textile dye. One of the means to degrade dye is by the use of a semiconductor material that has photocatalytic activity [1]. Utilization of semiconductors in photocatalysis is an interesting topic, attributable to its ability to degrade compounds with ultraviolet light facilitation [2]
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.
