Application In Photocatalytic Degradation Research Articles

PVA hydrogel serve as a high-efficiency carrier to enhance the photocatalytic degradation performance of BiOBr

BiOBr is a bismuth-containing photocatalytic material that exhibits visible light activity, making it highly promising for applications in photocatalytic degradation of pollutants and ecological protection. However, its application is hinder by the powder form and small particle size. Loading a powder photocatalyst on a suitable carrier is a common way to solve this challenge. This study proposes that PVA hydrogel can be used as a highly efficient carrier to enhance the photocatalytic degradation performance of BiOBr. By adding a foaming agent, the pore structure of hydrogel was improved and the degradation performance to pollutants in wastewater was increased. The impact of various factors, including BiOBr photocatalyst loading, solution pH, recycling stability, and reactive species, on the photocatalytic degradation process were investigated. The performance of the PVA/BiOBr composite hydrogel to degrade methylene blue (MB) under simulated solar irradiation was studied. After a 120 min photocatalytic reaction, PVA/BiOBr-1.0 % composite hydrogel removed 99 % of 10 mg·L−1 MB, which was superior to pure BiOBr photocatalyst. This investigation is of significance as it provides insights into the integration of BiOBr catalysts key role of the PVA hydrogel carriers in enhancing the catalytic performance of BiOBr photocatalyst in wastewater treatment.

Facile Synthesis of a Crystalline Zinc Sulfide/Chitosan Biopolymer Nanocomposite: Characterization and Application for Photocatalytic Degradation of Textile Dyes and Anticancer Activity.

In the present study, we have synthesized a zinc sulfide/chitosan (ZS/CS) nanocomposite by utilizing simple, economical, and environmentally friendly methods. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized by different analytical techniques such as XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, and FTIR to determine the phase structure, morphology, and elemental composition. FTIR spectroscopy was used to confirm the functional groups of the synthesized zinc sulfide (ZS) nanoparticles and ZS/CS composite. Besides, the optical properties of the as-synthesized nanocomposite was analyzed by a UV-visible spectrophotometer, and the estimated band gap energy is ∼3.03 eV. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized ZS/CS nanocomposite was investigated against two textile dyes, Crystal Violet (CV) and Acid Red-I (AR-I), under UV-visible light irradiation. The nanocomposite showed excellent photocatalytic activity against the dyes, and photodegradation was estimated to be about 93.44 and 90.67% for CV and AR-I, respectively. The nanocomposite was reused for three consecutive cycles. The results revealed that the photocatalyst displayed good reusability during the photocatalytic decomposition and thus is considered a cost-effective and promising photocatalyst in degrading dye pollutants. The kinetic study proved that the pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics was followed by the degradation process. We also examined the anticancer activity of ZS and ZS/CS against human breast and myelogenous leukemia cancer cell lines, namely, MCF-7 and K-562, and the half minimal inhibitory concentrations were found to be less than 50 μg/mL.

Synthesis and characterization of pristine CuO and Mg/CuO nanostructures for their anti-breast cancer and photocatalytic degradation applications: Experimental and DFT investigations

The present manuscript emphasizes the versatility of Mg-doped CuO nanostructures for environmental remediation (photocatalytic degradation of pollutants) and biomedical applications (anticancer activity) thus highlighting their potential impact in addressing societal and health challenges. The primary focus of the manuscript is the synthesis, characterization, and applications of Mg-doped CuO nanostructures. In order to meet this purpose, pure and Mg doped CuO nanostructures were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method and ball milling techniques. To characterize the prepared samples, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Visible, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy techniques were utilized. A profusion of structural defects and the reduction in crystallite size have been observed in CuO nanomaterial’s due to the dopant's complete incorporation into the CuO lattice. Additionally, the band gap of CuO has been observed to decrease as a result of Mg doping. Density functional theory was employed to simulate the effect of Mg on the properties of CuO. The efficiency of photocatalytic degradation aided by sunlight against methylene blue increased from 50.8 % to 89.5 %. MCF-7, a cell line representing human breast adenocarcinoma, was utilized to assess the cytotoxicity of Mg/CuO samples. CuO nanoparticles enriched with Mg are viable biocompatible anti-cancer agents and prospective photocatalyst for the removal of environmental pollutants from aqueous solutions, according to the findings of this study.

Fabricating of Pd and Ni bimetal modified halloysite nanotube composite and its application for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

Tetracycline (TC) is extensively employed as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, and its byproducts have been identified in a variety of water bodies, posing a significant risk to both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Among the prevalent techniques for treating water contaminants, photodegradation stands out. In this research, we synthesized a novel nanocomposite material, embedding bimetallic nanoparticles onto halloysite nanotubes (HNT) (Pd@Ni/N-HNT), aimed at photocatalytically degrading TC. The Pd@Ni/N-HNT demonstrated the capability to enhance the TC degradation efficiency to 100 % under visible light for a duration of 120 min, effectively doubling the performance of pure H2O2 degradation. The influence of pH levels in aquatic environments on the TC degradation efficiency was explored. Through electron spin resonance (EPR) studies and free radical scavenging tests, it was verified that •O2− and h+ are pivotal in the degradation process. Furthermore, Pd@Ni/N-HNT showcased effective degradation capabilities in both tap and river water, achieving degradation rates exceeding 70 % in 120 min and 95 % in 180 min, respectively. This investigation not only sheds light on the potential of utilizing Pd@Ni/N-HNT as a potent catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of TC but also offers a comprehensive framework for the future development of nanomaterials aimed at the environmental remediation of organic pollutants. The findings herein provide a pivotal reference and guide for advancing the application of nanotechnology in the purification of water, thereby contributing to the safeguarding of aquatic ecosystems and public health.

Heterocyclic polymerization modified g-C3N4 nanotube with advanced charge separation for solar light driven degradation of ciprofloxacin

A novel heterocyclic polymerized g-C3N4 nanotube was prepared by thermal polycondensation using urea and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine (TAP). The TAP-polymerized g-C3N4 composite with 0.5 wt% TAP content showed the highest photocatalytic activity for ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation under solar irradiation. The optimal composite derived from urea achieved ∼ 10.8 and ∼ 7.5 time of CIP degradation activity when compared with TAP-polymerized g-C3N4 derived from melamine and thiourea. The copolymerization of TAP molecules reduces the π electron defects in the g-C3N4 conjugated system thus accelerates the migration of photogenerated carriers. The doping of TAP in g-C3N4 reduces its band gap, which enhances the light absorption capacity and improves the utilization efficiency of visible light. The fluffy porous nanotube structure of the material endows it with unique surface morphology and excellent photoelectric characteristic. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and probe technology were used for qualitative or quantitative detection of free radicals in this work. Superoxide radicals (O2·-) played the major roles in the photodegradation of CIP. Recycling experiments displayed the high stability and activity of the modified materials, which is potentially applicable in practical engineering. Moreover, the photodegradation pathways and mechanisms of CIP were proposed and its toxicity evolution was assessed in this study. This work revealed the specific application of heterocyclic polymerization in modifying g-C3N4 material and provided unique insights for its application in photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic.

A Sustainable Combustion Process for Green Synthesis of TiO2 Nanoparticles: Applications in Photocatalytic Degradation and Electrochemical Sensing for Environmental Remediation

AbstractHerein, a sustainable approach to combustion has been presented, utilizing Aloe Vera latex as a reducing agent in synthesizing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. The phase and composition of TiO2 have been confirmed using X‐ray diffraction, while the band gap has been determined as 3.17 eV using the Kubelka‐Monk plot. The photocatalytic potential of the TiO2 has been explored by assessing their effectiveness in degrading AR‐88 dye, demonstrating significant activity at 500 nm. Remarkably, in a span of 120 min of UV radiation, AR‐88 dye could reach an impressive photodegradation rate of 98.6 %, rendering the dye nearly colorless. TiO2 NPs have also been investigated as an electrode material in sensing paracetamol and D‐glucose by coating them onto a carbon paste electrode and immersing them in a 1 M KOH solution. The cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal that the TiO2 NPs possess excellent electrochemical characteristics, with a calculated proton diffusion coefficient of 5.651×10−4 cm2 s−1. These findings underscore the potential of TiO2 as a highly desirable electrode material with remarkable electrochemical properties. This research opens new avenues for utilizing TiO2 NPs in various electrochemical applications, particularly in the detection of pharmaceutically important compounds, highlighting its versatility.

Box-Behnken Design for Photocatalytic Degradation of Sudan Black B by Catalyst-Embedded Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

This research employs a Box Behnken design-based technique for photocatalytic use of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) derived from spray pyrolysis. This procedure was used for photocatalytic degradation applications on Sudan black dye using Citrus limonum oil as a carbon precursor and Fe/Co/Mo supported on silica as a catalyst. The influence of initial dye concentration was compared to the effects of H2O2, catalyst concentration and solar light intensity. The Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize growth parameters for higher yield and graphitization. The as-grown CNTs were exemplified using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This work resulted in the identification of the optimal set of spray pyrolysis turning parameters for achieving high CNT yield and effective decolorization of Sudan black B dye by employing MWCNTs as catalyst. The degree of decolorization of Sudan black B dye increases upto a certain level with an increase in initial H2O2 concentration and subsequently declines as excess H2O2 hydroxyl radicals formed serve as scavengers, resulting in less dye decolonization.

Utilization of Azadirachta Indica Latex for Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles its Application in Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye

The use of extract from indigenous plant species for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles has significant importance as they have a capacity to act as potential reducing, capping and stabilizing agent. In this research, latex of Azadirachta indica (Neem) was selected for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Maximum absorbance was achieved at 425 nm (λmax) for AgNPs. FTIR vibrational peaks of AgNPs were observed at 3462, 2933, 1732, 1658, 1458, 1381, 1244, and 1028 and near 600 cm -1. Moreover, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) showed that the synthesized AgNPs were face-centered cuboid, spherical, hexahedral, and pentagonal structures ranging in size between 7.15-71.5nm. XRD analysis shows that most of the nanoparticles have spherical crystalline structure. Photocatalytic degradation of hazardous azo dye; Methylene blue dye (MB) was performed in the presence of synthesized AgNPs as catalysts under UV-induced photocatalytic degradation. The degradation efficiency after 180 minutes of reaction time was 82 % which proposes its potential to use as environmental pollutant eradicators in the treatment of textile industries wastewater.

Green batch prepared a novel C/P co-doping urchin-like TiO2 for enhanced photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of trimethoprim

In advancing the practical application of photocatalytic degradation for pollutant removal, batch preparation of environmentally friendly photocatalysts plays a crucial role. Herein, we prepared C/P co-doped urchin-like TiO2 (C/P–TiO2) through a straightforward room temperature impregnation and atmospheric annealing process. Phytic acid served as the dopant precursor for introducing C and P onto the TiO2 surface. This doping process was verified through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), electron spin resonance (ESR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The C/P–TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited exceptional efficiency in degrading the target compound trimethoprim (TMP), achieving a degradation of 98% TMP within 60 min and a mineralization of 40% TMP within 120 min, which were respectively 2.4 and 1.6 times higher than that of pristine TiO2. The intermediate products of TMP were detected, and a plausible degradation pathway was proposed. Photoelectric characterization results also confirmed that C/P co-doping could effectively enhance the carrier separation efficiency of C/P–TiO2. The catalysts prepared using the scaled-up impregnation system and reusing the phytic acid solution consistently demonstrated stable catalytic performance, which confirmed the viability of the method for green and batch preparation of C/P co-doped TiO2. Notably, the obtained catalyst consistently exhibited high degradation efficacy in various real water bodies, highlighting its substantial potential for practical application. The green and batch preparation method of C/P–TiO2 introduces a novel approach to the practical application of photocatalysis technology in treatment of water contaminants.

Band gap engineering and photocatalytic degradation of lead-free halide chalcogenide Cs(Ag1-xCux)2I3

Lead halide chalcogenides are becoming more and more widely used in photocatalysis, but the toxicity of elemental lead has forced the study of environmentally friendly lead-free halide chalcogenides. In this paper, the band gap modulation of Cs(Ag1-xCux)2I3 and its application in photocatalytic degradation were investigated. Cs(Ag1-xCux)2I3 single crystals were prepared by an anti-solvent method. Experimental analyses showed that copper substitution could modulate the band gap size and improve the photocatalytic performance, in which Cs(Ag0.8Cu0.2)2I3 degraded 99.0 % of methylene blue pollutants in 4 h with good reusability. This study demonstrated that Cs(Ag1-xCux)2I3 has good application prospects in photocatalytic degradation.

Synthesis of Cerium-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites and Their Application for Photocatalytic Degradation of Lambda-Cyhalothrin in Agricultural Runoff Under Natural Solar Irradiation

Synthesis of Cerium-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites and Their Application for Photocatalytic Degradation of Lambda-Cyhalothrin in Agricultural Runoff Under Natural Solar Irradiation

Construct 2D/1D BiOX (X = Cl, Br)@Bi5O7I heterojunctions with rich interfaces and wide visible light response range for pollutant removal in water under LED light

At present, the development of photocatalysts with high visible light sensitivity and efficient catalytic activity for environmental pollution control is the focus of research in the field of photocatalysis. In this work, 2D/1D BiOX (X = Cl, Br)@Bi5O7I heterojunction with abundant interfaces was prepared by a low-temperature liquid-phase method using Bi5O7I nanorods as substrate and BiOX nanoflakes as shell. The rich interfaces can be used as transport bridge for photogenerated electrons between Bi5O7I and BiOX. Under the optimum condition of BiOX content of 60%, the surface charge transfer efficiency increased from 20.79% (Bi5O7I) to 55.44% (BOI-BC-60) and 67.36% (BOI-BC-60) according to the photoelectrochemical measurement results. In the application of photocatalytic degradation of levofloxacin, the prepared BiOX (X = Cl, Br)@Bi5O7I heterojunctions exhibited enhanced adsorption capacity in darkness and improved photocatalytic activity under visible light. The reaction rate and pollutant removal efficiency of BOI-BC-60 and BOI-BB-60 were 6.87, 2.07 and 12.17, 3.28 times higher than that of Bi5O7I, respectively. It is proved that the suitable valence band and conduction band positions of BiOX and Bi5O7I components in BiOX@Bi5O7I heterojunction provide thermodynamic conditions for the migration of photogenerated electrons and holes.

A comparative study of green and chemical approaches for photocatalytic activity of novel hybrid bismuth magnesium ferrites (BiMgFe2O4) nanoparticles for Acid Red-88 dye degradation

Uncontrolled release of several dangerous pollutants had negatively impacted the environment causing water pollution and retarded plant growth. Recently, nanoferrites utilized as photocatalyst to eliminate water pollutants. The benefitsofhybrid photocatalyst have significantly improved separating and charge transfer capabilities. In the present investigation novel bismuth magnesium ferrites (BMF - BiMgFe2O4) are synthesized via conventional solution combustion method using green and chemical approach. The particles are confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM),Energy disperse X-ray diffraction analysis (EDX), UV-DRS (UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy). The observed crystalline size for the nanoparticles synthesized by green and chemical approach is 25.15 nm and 18.55 nm respectively. Analyzed band gap observed is 2.89 eV and 1.98 eV for green and chemical approach that are confirmed by employing UV-DRS technique. The outcomes obtained from studies are verified with capable applications in photocatalytic degradation. The application of BiMgFe2O4 as catalyst for decolourisation of acid red 88 (AR-88) dyes under visible irradiation at room temperature exhibits superior photocatalytic activity for BiMgFe2O4 is 74.22 % and 85.27 % using green and chemical approach for 120 min respectively. It's significant that the environmental impact of the whole procedure has been assessed with regard to the development of green gramplants utilizing the treated wastewater exhibiting effective plant growth. The overall feasibility of the research presented here provides the opportunity to apply chemically synthesized BMF acts as superior photocatalyst for pollutants from particles in practical applications related to wastewater treatment and other applications in daily life. Using degradedwater yields productive plant growth.

Lead integrated two-dimensional (MXene/PbCrO4) nanocomposite designed for energy storage and photocatalytic degradation applications

Supercapacitors (SCs), among other electrochemical device applications, require materials with maximal energy storage capacity, and the stacked two-dimensional titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2) sparked the development of these materials. This paper embellished to present smoothed MXene/PbCrO4 nanocomposite via co-precipitation method along with modified sol–gel achieved lead chromate (PbCrO4) nano-crystalline for energy storage and photocatalytic applications using ethylene glycol as connecting agent to restrict nano-particle growth. It is evident from photoluminescence spectra that peak intensity has decreased, whilst Raman spectra show the presence of MXene and lead peaks in the nanocomposite, whereas FTIR has revealed the presence of functional groups in synthesized material. According to calculations made using EIS spectra, the charge transfer resistance is 1.4 Ω, with the electron shift rate constant Kapp value 6.98 10−9 cm s−1. Additionally, the electrochemical performance of the designed material in supercapacitors at 0.3Ag−1 of current density indicates elevated capacitance of 5408 Fg−1 with scan rate of 10 mV s−1 using 1MKOH aqueous electrolyte, resulting in power and energy densities of 2991.8 W kg−1 and 110.1 Wh K−1 g−1, respectively. UV–vis spectra shows the nanocomposite has a 1.86 eV band gap that, in the presence of direct sunlight, might cause the destruction of MB dye at a rate of 92.79%. These findings suggested that the newly created MXene/PbCrO4 nanocomposite demonstrates evidence of substantial features as compared to single materials has potential as an electrode material for supercapacitors as well as best photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants regarding water purification.

Recent advances in metal organic frameworks-based magnetic nanomaterials for waste water treatment.

Magnetic nanoparticle-incorporated metal organic frameworks (MOF) are potential composites for various applications such as catalysis, water treatment, drug delivery, gas storage, chemical sensing, and heavy metal ion removal. MOFs exhibits high porosity and flexibility enabling guest species like heavy metal ions to diffuse into bulk structure. Additionally, shape and size of the pores contribute to selectivity of the guest materials. Incorporation of magnetic materials allows easy collection of adsorbent materials from solution system making the process simple and cost-effective. In view of the above advantages in the present review article, we are discussing recent advances of different magnetic material-incorporated MOF (Mg-MOF) composite for application in photocatalytic degradation of dyes and toxic chemicals, adsorption of organic compounds, adsorption of heavy metal ions, and adsorption of dyes. The review initially discusses on properties of Mg-MOF, different synthesis techniques such as mechanochemical, sonochemical (ultrasound) synthesis, slow evaporation and diffusion methods, solvo(hydro)-thermal and iono-thermal method, microwave-assisted method, microemulsion method post-synthetic modification template strategies and followed by application in waste water treatment.

Structural and optical properties of polyhedral N-doped ZnO@BiVO4 nanocomposite photocatalyst derived from ZIF-8

ZIF-8 dodecahedra precursor and BiVO4 nanoparticles were prepared using in-situ self-assembly and solvothermal methods, respectively. Then, an environmentally friendly ZnO@BiVO4 composite photocatalyst based on N-doped ZnO polyhedra containing carbon skeletons (NCZ) was obtained by calcining the mixture of ZIF-8 precursor and BiVO4 nanoparticles. The improvement of oxygen vacancy (VO) defects induced by N element doped in the ZnO component was determined, which was conductive to the photocatalytic performance improvement of the composite. Furthermore, the type-I transfer mechanism of carriers was identified in the ZnO@BiVO4 composite. The influence of BiVO4 and NCZ mass ratio on its photocatalytic performance under simulated solar light was studied by degrading tetracycline (TC) solution, and when the mass ratio was 20 %, the composite photocatalyst exhibited the optimum photocatalytic performance. In addition, the influences of TC solution pH value, initial TC solution concentration, and photocatalyst dosage on the degradation performance of the photocatalyst were further studied. The optimized conditions provide a feasible strategy for its application in photocatalytic degradation of industrial wastewater pollutants.

Construction of Spinel/Perovskite Heterojunction for Boosting Photocatalytic Performance for Polyacrylamide

The use of photocatalytic technology to degrade polyacrylamide in crude oil extraction wastewater is a promising approach, but there have been few reports so far. In this study, ZnFe2O4/Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 heterogeneous composite materials of a spinel/perovskite type with different proportions were synthesized. The composite materials with 31% ZnFe2O4 content exhibited a maximum polyacrylamide degradation efficiency of 46.54%, which demonstrated the unique role of the spinel/perovskite heterogeneous structure. When Ag nanoparticles were grown in situ on the surface of ZnFe2O4/Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency reached 81.28%. The main reason was that the introduction of Ag nanoparticles not only increased the active sites and enhanced light absorption capacity but also accelerated the separation of photo-generated charges. This work provides new ideas for the construction of spinel/perovskite heterogeneous composite materials and has reference significance for the application of photocatalytic degradation in the treatment of wastewater-containing polymers.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Adhatoda vasica leaf extract and its application in photocatalytic degradation of dyes

The paper describes biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Adhatoda vasica leaf extracts at room temperature. The prepared AgNPs were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Thermogravimetric analyser. The bio reduction method is devoid of any toxic chemicals, organic solvents, and external reducing, capping and stabilizing agent. The synthesized AgNPs had spherical shape with particle size ranging between 3.88 and 23.97 nm and had face centered cubic structure. UV–visible spectral analysis confirmed the formation of AgNPs with a characteristic surface plasmon resonance band at 419 nm. The EDX pattern revealed the presence of elemental Ag in AgNPs. The prepared AgNPs were used for degradation of Amaranth, Allura red and Fast green in aqueous medium, with ≥ 92.6% efficiency within 15 min using 5 mg of AgNPs. The optical bandgap, Eg value of 2.26 eV for AgNPs was found to be effective for rapid photocatalytic degradation of all the three dyes. The degradation process was observed to follow pseudo first order kinetics.

Photocatalytic degradation of non-ionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants: from batch experiments through equilibrium/kinetic study to ecotoxicology analysis

Surface-active compounds constitute a group of important and widespread environmental pollutants. Among different methods used for their treatment, photocatalytic degradation is a promising and efficient solution. Nevertheless, the exact outcome of photodegradation of surfactants may be difficult to predict in case of concentrations used at the industrial scale and considering that the associated mechanism involves radicals which may potentially result in the formation of toxic by-products. In consequence, the aim of this study was to analyze the catalytic photodegradation of three groups of surfactants (three structurally diverse representatives of cationic, anionic, and non-ionic surfactants). Nanoparticles of zinc oxide were synthesized and used as a photocatalyst. The efficiency of photodegradation ranged from 93 to 100% at 10 mg/L, from 38 to 94% at 100 mg/L, and from 15 to 66% when the surfactants were supplied at 1000 mg/L, and the results depended on the structure of the compound subjected to treatment. Subsequent investigation of kinetics revealed that Freundlich, Langmuir or Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms may be used to describe the adsorption of surfactants (1–65%) and allowed to establish the following order of reactivity: cationic > non-ionic > anionic. Subsequent LC–MS/MS studies of the residues were the basis for identification of photodegradation products for each respective compound. Ultimately, due to the fact that treated graywater is often used as potable water, the phytotoxicity of the degradation products was tested toward sorghum. It was established that in the majority of cases the treatment was efficient (in some cases stimulation of plant growth compared to control samples was observed), whereas an increase in toxicity was observed in case of two cationic surfactants (CTAB and benzalkonium chloride). Overall, the results presented in this study support the application of photocatalytic degradation as an efficient solution for treatment of surfactant-rich effluents.

Robust iron-doped manganese oxide nanoparticles from facile fabrication to photo-catalytic degradation application of binary dyes mixture

The manganese oxide (MnO2 and iron-doped manganese oxide (Fe–MnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) with reduced band gap (Eg) were fabricated through the co-precipitation process. They used to degrade Indigo Carmine (IC) and Rhodamine B (RB) binary mixture in an aqueous medium under solar light irradiation. From FT-IR, the twisting modes of the Mn–O bond and the stretching vibrations of the Fe–Mn–O2 bond were confirmed from the peaks observed at 480 cm−1,584 cm−1,675 cm−1, and 900 cm−1, 1150 cm−1, and 1200 cm−1 respectively. The MnO2 has an optical band gap of 3.2 eV, which was decreased to 3 eV in Fe–MnO2. The zero charge (PZC) point was 8 for Fe–MnO2 and 7 for MnO2. The BET surface area for Fe–MnO2 was 398 m2/g, relatively higher than MnO2 particles, having a surface area of 384 m2/g. The average crystallite sizes calculated from Scherer formulae were 37 nm for MnO2 and 31 nm for Fe–MnO2 NPs. SEM confirmed the irregular morphology of the prepared particles. It was analyzed that agglomeration occurs in MnO2 than the Fe–MnO2. The maximum degradation of IC dye was 99%, and that of RB was 98% at the optimum conditions. The data were best fitted to second-order kinetics.