Abstract
The visible-light-induced photocatalytic performance of a three-dimensional (3D) hybrid composite based on carbon nano-onion (CNO)-functionalized zinc-oxide tetrapods (T-ZnO) was investigated to study the photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). The hybrid CNO-functionalized T-ZnO 3D composite was successfully developed via a facile one-step process. The CNOs, synthesized via a green route from flaxseed oil, were decorated on the surface of T-ZnO via chemical mixing. Such a hybrid composite allows for the complete optimization of the T-ZnO/CNO interface to enhance visible-light harvesting, contributing to effective visible-light-induced photocatalysis. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the T-ZnO-CNO 3D composite is attributed to the strong synergistic effects obtained by the unique cumulative intrinsic properties of CNOs and the 3D architecture of T-ZnO, which lead to exceptional charge transfer and separation. A reaction mechanism for the degradation of DNP is proposed based on a bandgap analysis and trapping experiments. Furthermore, the photocatalyst maintains a favorable reusability during consecutive cycling experiments. The ecological assessment of the photocatalytic process was performed via the germination of common gram seeds (Cicer arietinum) and reveals the low toxicity and environmental safety of the synthesized hybrid 3D composite. The observations confirm that the synthesized hybrid 3D composite facilitates wastewater decontamination using photocatalytic technology and highlights the broad implications of designing multifunctional materials for various advanced applications.
Highlights
Ever-increasing global demand and environmentally unfriendly human activities are continuously drawing the attention of the research community towards contaminated water treatments and their long-term sustainability for the future[1]
The high hydrophobicity and 3D architecture of T-zinc oxide (ZnO) facilitate the attachment of carbon nano-onion (CNO) on the ZnO arms via hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions
T-ZnO is not readily suspended in water, but the T-ZnO-CNO hybrid composite can be dispersed in water and remains stable overnight
Summary
Ever-increasing global demand and environmentally unfriendly human activities are continuously drawing the attention of the research community towards contaminated water treatments and their long-term sustainability for the future[1]. The environmental applicability of treated water has been evaluated through the germination of common gram seeds (Cicer arietinum) before and after the photocatalytic degradation of DNP using a T-ZnOCNO 3D hybrid composite. The T-ZnO-CNO hybrid composite was fabricated via a simple one-step process for enhanced photocatalytic activity in the visible-light region.
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.
