Visible-light photocatalytic degradation of textile dye by recyclable and recoverable AgBr–ZnO/chitosan beads

Abstract

The paper reports on the photocatalytic efficiency of AgBr–ZnO/chitosan beads, which are prepared by a cross-linking reaction. The specifications of the manufactured beads were recognized with FTIR spectra, XRD, and SEM–EDX techniques. Degradation of dye specifically methylene blue (MB) was used under visible-light irradiation to estimate the photocatalyst efficiency. The possible MB degradation mechanism was investigated via UV–Vis absorption spectra. The beads with considerably enhanced photocatalytic activity have some benefits of low cost, prosperity of preparation, and simple recovery from the target contaminant solution. The effect of some influence parameters like dye concentration, pH of the solution, and catalyst dosage on the degradation performance was analyzed. It was approved that the photocatalytic degradation of dye with beads adheres to the pseudo-first-order according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model.