Sunlight active Zeolite decorated N-doped nickel oxide nanocomposite for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of toxic phenols

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the most advanced technique in current times, with nanoparticles and nanocomposites playing a vital role in the remediation of toxic contamination. Notably, nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts exhibit superior stability and biocompatibility when compared to their counterparts produced through conventional chemical and physical methods. The present study focuses on the green synthesis of N-NiO@Zeolite nanocomposite utilizing Camellia sinensis (green tea) plant leaf extract. The green synthesized nanocomposite was employed for the photocatalytic degradation of toxic organic pollutants including, 3-Aminophenol (3-AP) and bisphenol A (BPA). Under solar irradiation, modified nanomaterials demonstrated excellent photocatalytic activities for degrading 3-AP and BPA. The optimum parameters for photocatalytic degradation were found to be pollutant concentrations of 10 mg/L for 3-AP and 4 mg/L for BPA, photocatalyst dosages of 15 mg for 3-AP and 10 mg for BPA, and neutral pH for both pollutants. Within 120 min, the synthesized N-NiO@zeolite nanocomposite achieved degradation efficiencies of 96 % for 3-AP and 94 % for BPA, superior performance on comparing its parental materials, N-NiO (78 % for 3-AP and 75 % for BPA) and NiO (66 % for 3-AP and 65 % for BPA). The degradation kinetics of both pollutants were accurately represented by first-order kinetics, Langmuir-Hinshelwood model and were consistent with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Furthermore, the environmentally friendly N-NiO@Zeolite nanocomposite displayed outstanding durability and reusability, retaining photocatalytic efficiency after 10 cycles of repeated usage, and its stability was validated by PXRD analysis after treatment. This excellent reusability and stability demonstrate the nanocomposite’s potential as a long-term solution for commercial treatment of wastewater applications.