Degradation Of Methylene Blue Dye Research Articles

Remediation of methylene blue water solution with iodine doped TiO2 nanoparticles and their regeneration: For reuse and check phytotoxicity level of treated water

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an essential metal-oxide semiconductor with unique features, such as low cost, photostability, nontoxicity, and abundance used as a photocatalyst. However, TiO2's photocatalytic activity is limited because it exclusively absorbs incoming light in the ultraviolet (UV) range. In present work, Iodine-doped TiO2 (IDT) photocatalysts were prepared employing solution-combustion process in various mol % of iodine (I), i.e., Ti1-xIxO2 (x = 0.00–0.05). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance spectroscopic (DRS) were used to characterise the synthesised IDT. DRS indicated that iodine doping increased the absorbance range while diminishing its bandgap energy. As the I doping concentration in TiO2 increased, there was a constant shift in absorbance towards the visible light area. The XRD demonstrated that the prepared photocatalysts were solely with the anatase phase of TiO2. The FTIR identified the functional groups in the prepared photocatalysts and numerous Ti–O lattice stretching and bending vibrational bands. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye was tested in a UV photochemical reactor. The 3 % IDT photocatalyst has the highest photodegradation efficiency amid all the prepared pristine and IDT photocatalysts. Regarding dye photodegradation, the synthesised TiO2 photocatalyst doped with 3 % Iodine outperformed the commercially available Aeroxide P-25 photocatalyst. Furthermore, the nanoparticles demonstrated excellent reusability in regeneration trials. A study on the germination of "Vigna Radiata" was done to determine phytotoxicity as part of the investigation into the potential use of photocatalytically treated water in irrigation. The phytotoxicity evaluation results show that the treated water has potential for use in irrigation.

Green synthesis and photocatalytic proficiency of tunable SnO2 nanostructures: unveiling environmental-friendly strategies for sustainable water remediation

Abstract This study demonstrates a proficient and eco-friendly synthesis of SnO2 nanostructures using a hydrothermal method, without the requirement of extra surfactants. The synthesis was systematically performed by adjusting the molar ratio of stannic chloride to sodium hydroxide and varying the pH settings. It was noted that the pH value rises according to the concentration of sodium hydroxide. A comprehensive analysis was performed to characterize the resulting nanostructures, which involved studying their structural features, chemical composition, morphology, and optical properties. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that increasing the pH values resulted in a noticeable improvement in the crystalline structure and a decrease in the density of surface defects. The SnO2 nanostructures, synthesized using different pH settings, were subsequently assessed for their photocatalytic performance in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under simulated solar irradiation. Surprisingly, the nanostructure produced at higher pH levels showed outstanding results, as 97% of the dye was broken down in just 70 minutes when exposed to simulated solar radiation. The analysis uncovered a maximum rate constant (k) value of 0.04 min−1, determined using pseudo first-order rate kinetics. In order to better understand the photodegradation process, scavenger experiments were performed to identify the active species involved. These investigations provided valuable insights into the complex mechanisms that drive the observed photocatalytic activity. This study not only enhances the progress of SnO2 nanostructures but also highlights their potential as strong and environmentally friendly materials for effective photocatalytic applications.

Photocatalytic activity of polyaniline‐potassium doped nickel oxide nanocomposites: A comprehensive investigation on multifaceted properties

AbstractPolyaniline‐potassium doped nickel oxide nanocomposites (PANI/KNO) were efficiently synthesized via an in situ chemical oxidation method, meticulously confirmed by comprehensive x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. The crystallite size and strain exhibited distinct behaviors, while field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a blend of irregular spherical shapes and nanofibers, further confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. These composites exhibited significantly enhanced thermal stability, surpassing PANI by 1.39 times, and showcased a band gap exceeding 3 eV, along with multiple photoluminescence peaks at room temperature (RT). Moreover, their RT AC conductivity experienced a remarkable surge by 4.91 times compared to pure polyaniline. Jonscher's Power Law model and the Havriliak–Negami relaxation model are employed to elucidate the electrical properties of composite materials. The composites displayed nonDebye relaxation behavior with increased conductivity, as observed through impedance analysis, electrical modulus evaluation, and dielectric constant assessment. Additionally, evident superparamagnetic properties and multiple magnetic domains further contributed to their effectiveness. The PANI/KNO composite demonstrated photocatalytic efficiency, achieving over 90% degradation of methylene blue dye across four cycles, thus highlighting its superior photostability. Furthermore, investigations into its response to pH variations and scavenger activity underscored its immense potential for highly effective photocatalytic applications.

An Enhanced Optical Response and Interfacial Charge Separation Of rGO Supported Cu2+ Doped Co3O4 Heterojunction For Photo‐Fenton‐Like Activity

AbstractIn recent years, clean water and increasing the usage of renewable energy have been the two main goals to be focused on in developing a sustainable living environment. These goals can also be fulfilled by using photocatalytic processes which is a promising direction, photocatalyst is quite effective for water purification and sustainable energy resources. For the first time, we report a visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst of rGO/Cu−Co3O4 nanocomposite for photo‐Fenton‐like degradation activity. The structural, morphological, surface chemical and optical properties of the samples were deeply analysed. The Cu2+ replacement reduces the crystalline size of the Co3O4 nanoparticle and rGO addition enhances the active surface area and charge mobility towards the better catalytic activity. The effect of operating parameters such as pH, catalyst dose, dye concentration, and H2O2 was also investigated for methylene blue (MB) dye degradation: kinetic studies, active radicals finding, and percentage of total organic carbon removal were also discussed in detail.

SYNTHESIS OF Ag-MODIFIED TiO2 SOL-GEL FILMS AND ITS APPLICATION AS PHOTOCATALYSTS FOR METHYLENE BLUE DEGRADATION

In the study, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films that are created by dip-coating from a sol that contained titanium (IV) isopropoxide, monoethanolamine, and 2-methoxyethanol is demonstrated. Through photo-fixation of Ag (I) ions with varied concentration (10-2 - 10-4 M) in the water phase under UV illumination, the films are subsequently surface-modified with Ag co-catalyst layers. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV) Spectroscopy, and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) techniques are used to physically characterize the samples. Results reveal that the modification of the co-catalyst had no impact on the thickness and porosity of the films. In addition, the study show that the modified TiO2 films had increased photocatalytic activity. All the characterization methods used have shown the formationof surface - bound Ag (I) species and metallic silver nanoclusters. By measuring the Methylene Blue (MB) dye degradation under UV light illumination, as - prepared and Ag -modified TiO2 films are evaluated for their photocatalytic activity, and the impact of the silver precursor concentration during photo-fixation is investigated.The highest catalytic activity is seen for films that have been modified at a concentration of Ag (I) of 10-2 M. Ordered from highest to lowest, the MB photodegradation rate constants are TiO2 < TiO2 /Ag, 10-4 < TiO2 /Ag, 10-3 < TiO2 / Ag, 10-2.

Degradation of toxic methylene blue dye with Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized by leaf extract of Madagascar periwinkle plant

Degradation of toxic methylene blue dye with Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized by leaf extract of Madagascar periwinkle plant

Reduced Work Function in Anatase ⟨101⟩ TiO2 Films Self-Doped by O-Vacancy-Dependent Ti3+ Bonds Controlling the Photocatalytic Dye Degradation Performance.

TiO2 has the proven capability of catalytically decomposing pollutants under light illumination, thereby embracing potential applications in wastewater management. The photocatalytic dye degradation activity is largely controlled by the optical band gap that dictates the extent of electron-hole pair generation via photon absorption, and the recombination kinetics of charges. In this context, the material's work function governs how easily the charge carriers can be transferred at the dye-adsorbed photocatalytically active sites. Accordingly, nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films are grown in the anatase phase with ⟨101⟩ orientation, using RF magnetron sputtering at 200 °C. Besides studying the film's structural morphology, optical band gap, and elemental composition, the electronic properties are extensively investigated. The work function of the material was controlled by varying the O-vacancy-dependent Ti3+ bonding configuration in the network. It has been demonstrated how the photocatalytic methylene blue dye degradation activity of the nanocrystalline TiO2 films of predominantly the anatase phase improves on reducing the sputtering pressure during deposition. At a low deposition pressure of 20 mTorr, a low work function of ∼4.2 eV of the film, resulting from the formation of a Ti3+-bond through the O vacancies in the network, potentially increases its carrier lifetime and delivers the superior photocatalytic activity (∼82.7% dye degradation with a rate constant of k ∼ 0.0073 min-1) via silently facilitating fast electron transfer from the photocatalyst to the dye in the aqueous solution. The higher stoichiometric film prepared at p = 40 mTorr exhibits an inferior photocatalytic activity (∼20.4% dye degradation with a rate constant of k ∼ 0.0009 min-1), as retarded by its higher work function of ∼4.62 eV, despite retaining a relatively low band gap. Thus, without using any heterojunction or extrinsically doped photocatalyst, the dye degradation can be controlled simply by reducing the work function of nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films via controlling the O-vacancy-dependent Ti3+ bonding in its self-doped network.

Glutathione-Mediated Synthesis of WO3 Nanostructures with Controllable Morphology/Phase for Energy Storage, Photoconductivity, and Photocatalytic Applications.

Developing an improved synthesis method that controls the morphology and crystal phase remains a substantial challenge. Herein, we report phase and morphology-controlled hydrothermal synthesis of tungsten oxides by varying acid concentration and utilizing glutathione (GSH) as a structural directing agent, together with the exploration of their applications in supercapacitors, photoconductivity, and photocatalysis. Orthorhombic hydrated tungsten oxide (WO3·0.33H2O) with nonuniform block and plate-like morphology was obtained at 3 M hydrochloric acid (HCl). In contrast, nonhydrated monoclinic tungsten oxide (WO3) with smaller rectangular blocks was obtained at 6 M HCl. Further, the addition of GSH results in an increase in the surface area of the materials along with a narrowing of the band gap. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in regulating the morphology through oriented attachments, Ostwald ripening, and the self-assembly of WO3 nuclei. GHTO and GTO polymorphs showed pseudocapacitive behavior with the highest specific capacitances of 450 and 300 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1, maintaining 94 and 92% retention stability, respectively, over 1000 cycles at 2 A g-1. Also, the synthesized materials displayed favorable photoconductivity under light irradiation, implying potential utilization in photovoltaic applications. Moreover, these materials exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye, establishing themselves as highly effective photocatalysts. Therefore, nanostructured tungsten oxide showcases its versatility, rendering it an appealing candidate for energy storage, photovoltaic systems, and photocatalysis.

Thermal treatment impact on the evolution of active phases in layered double hydroxide-based ZnCr photocatalysts: Photodegradation and antibacterial performance

Abstract This study investigated the influence of thermal treatment on the photocatalytic performance of ZnCr layered double hydroxide-based mixed metal oxides in the degradation of methylene blue and brilliant cresyl blue organic dyes under simulated solar light irradiation. The photocatalysts were synthesized using a simple coprecipitation method and subjected to thermal treatment at temperatures ranging from 100°C to 900°C. Additionally, the study explored the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using a novel antibacterial experimental setup. It not only involved the introduction of ZnCr samples into BioPeptone/prepared cell suspension to enhance photocatalyst–bacteria cell contact but also included research on antibacterial activity induced by solar irradiation and also in the absence of light, providing crucial insights into photocatalytic antibacterial activity of ZnCr photocatalysts. Despite satisfactory efficiencies observed for all thermally treated ZnCr samples (removal efficiency ranging from 40% to 90%), ZnCr 900 (thermally treated at 900°C) exhibited exceptional performance, achieving nearly 100% removal efficiency and complete growth inhibition for both bacteria. Integrating these findings with structural and textural characterization data, as well as kinetic studies, our comprehensive analysis enhances the understanding of structure-dependent photocatalytic activities. These insights open possibilities for the application of ZnCr photocatalysts in water purification and environmental remediation.

Photo-catalytic dye degradation potentials of Ag-Pd bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized from Vitex negundo.

Plant extracts are a great alternative to synthesizing nanoparticles of different metals and metal oxides. This green synthesis method has opened up numerous possibilities in various scientific domains. In present study, Leaf extract from Vitex negundo is a non-deciduous, long-lasting shrub from the Verbenaceae family is used as capping and reducing agents for the synthesis of silver and palladium nanoparticles. The characterization study UV-vis spectrophotometer analysis showed absorbance value around 320nm which confirming that Ag-Pd nanoparticles have been successfully obtained. Further, SEM is used to investigate the morphology of Ag-Pd NPs, which revealing their spherical and rod-like configuration, aggregation, and the size of the particles are obtained between 50 and 100nm. The successful synthesis of Ag-Pd NPs was further confirmed by the EDAX chart, which displayed the peak of Ag and Pd at bending energies between 0.5 and 1.5keV. According to the quantitative study, Ag and Pd ions found about 5.24 and 13.28%, respectively. In addition, surface studies with TEM confirming that synthesized Ag-Pd NPs are predominates with spheres structure morphologies, with sizes averaging 11.20nm and ranging from 10 to 20nm. Further, Ag-Pd nanoparticles was applied as potential photocatalyst materials to degrade methylene blue dye and found about 85% of the degradation efficiency within 150min of the sunlight exposure thus could be used as catalyst to removal of hazardous organic dye molecules.

Exploring the versatility of sulfur-containing heterocyclic metal complexes: Application in medical and prospects of visible-light-driven photocatalysis

Numerous heterocyclic moieties serve as the foundational structure for clinically employed drugs, underscoring the significance of heterocycles in the innovation of pharmacologically active compounds. In the present investigation, a heterocyclic skeleton of thiophene-clubbed benzimidazole (tmb) was developed and utilized to synthesize seven novel series of metal (M(II) = Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) complexes to explore diverse applications including pharmacological and photocatalytic performance. A sharp singlet peak appeared at 5.72 ppm (tmb) and 5.94 ppm for the Zn(II)-tmb complex corresponding to -CH2 protons, as evidenced by 1H NMR results, confirming the formation of targeted compounds. Antimicrobial assay and docking studies confirmed that the mixed metal complex; [Cu(tmb)2(1,10-phen)Cl2] possesses the highest activity and displayed significant biofilm inhibition, achieving 86.35 and 89.8% at concentrations of 1 and 0.020 mg/mL, respectively against E. coli. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity was monitored by the degradation of methylene blue dye under direct sunlight and [Cu(tmb)2Cl2] exhibited a maximum degradation efficiency of 96.15% in 45 min. These findings could serve as inspiration for the development of benzimidazole-based metal complexes as effective anti-biofilm and photocatalytic agents.

Zn and Ni doped hydroxyapatite: Study of the influence of the type of energy source on the photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial properties

The present work aimed to produce HAp nanoparticles doped with Zn and Ni in order to analyze the incorporation of these elements in the catalytic and antimicrobial properties of HAp. The samples were obtained by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method in 30 min at 150 °C. XRD and FTIR results showed that HAp was formed without the presence of secondary phases, and Rietveld refinement indicated a reduction in crystallite size after doping. Nanorod-like morphologies were observed by SEM-FEG with reduction in particle size and increase in specific surface area. Furthermore, the hidden gap at 3.26 eV, photoluminescence indicated that there was a predominance of deep defects and XPS showed the presence of dopants on the HAp surface. The catalytic results in the degradation of methylene blue dye indicated that the zinc-doped sample removed 97.85 % under sunlight, 66.81 % under UV light and 70.64 % under ultrasound. After four cycles of reuse under sunlight, good photocatalytic performance was maintained, and inhibition tests indicated that holes and hydroxyls are the active radicals. Antimicrobial activity tests showed that zinc-doped and co-doped samples were efficient in inhibiting Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). This work brings a promising alternative application for hydroxyapatite in environmental and microbial remediation.

ZnO heterojunction photocatalysts prepared via facile green synthesis process attaining improved Photocatalytic function for degradation of methylene blue Dye

ZnO heterojunction photocatalysts prepared via facile green synthesis process attaining improved Photocatalytic function for degradation of methylene blue Dye

Harnessing solar power for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of coloured pollutants using novel Mg-doped-ZnFe2O4/S@g-C3N4 heterojunction: A facile hydrothermal synthesis approach.

The ability of heterogeneous photocatalysis to effectively remove organic pollutants from wastewater has shown great promise as a tool for environmental remediation. Pure zinc ferrites (ZnFe2O4) and magnesium-doped zinc ferrites (Mg@ZnFe2O4) with variable percentages of Mg (0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mol%) were synthesized via hydrothermal route and their photocatalytic activity was checked against methylene blue (MB) taken as a model dye. FTIR, XPS, BET, PL, XRD, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used for the identification and morphological characterization of the prepared nanoparticles (NPs) and nanocomposites (NCs). The 7% Mg@ZnFe2O4 NPs demonstrated excellent degradation against MB under sunlight. The 7% Mg@ZnFe2O4 NPs were integrated with diverse contents (10, 50, 30, and 70 wt.%) of S@g-C3N4 to develop NCs with better activity. When the NCs were tested to degrade MB dye, it was revealed that the 7%Mg@ZnFe2O4/S@g-C3N4 NCs were more effective at utilizing solar energy than the other NPs and NCs. The synergistic effect of the interface formed between Mg@ZnFe2O4 and S@g-C3N4 was primarily responsible for the boosted photocatalytic capability of the NCs. The fabricated NCs may function as an effective new photocatalyst to remove organic dyes from wastewater.

Optimizing Photocatalytic and Supercapacitive Performance by β-Bi2O3@BiFeO3 Modification with PVDF Polymer based Nanocomposites

The PVDF (Poly-Vinyl-difloride) membrane modified with Bismuth oxide (β-Bi2O3)/Bismuth Ferrite (BiFeO3) p-n heterojunction synthesized via hydrothermal process to explore its energy storage and conversion applications. The PVDF-Bi2O3/BiFeO3 nanocomposites (NCs) prepared in this study were subjected to analysis using PXRD, FTIR, UV-Vis DRS, FE-SEM with EDX, TEM, and transient photocurrent response techniques, individually. The as-prepared materials were evaluated for their photocatalytic performance in the visible light-induced degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine-B (RhB) dyes. The photocatalytic performance demonstrates degradation efficiencies of 95% for MB dye and 83% for RhB dye when utilizing the PVDF-β-Bi2O3@BiFeO3 nanocatalyst. The enhancement in the photocatalytic performance of the PVDF-Bi2O3/BiFeO3 heterojunction was a result of improved visible light absorption, suppression of photogenerated electron-hole pair recombination, accelerated separation and migration of photogenerated charges. The capacitance behavior of PVDF-β-Bi2O3@BiFeO3 is significantly higher than β-Bi2O3@BiFeO3 in 3M KOH solution which has specific capacitance of 300Fg-1at 1Ag-1 of current density and fabricated a symmetric device has10.08Whkg-1 and 999.39Wkg-1 specific energy and specific power at 0.5Ag-1 of current density with the 88.7% of capacitance retention and 94.12% of coulombic efficiency up to 10000 cycles.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Hibiscus tiliaceus L. Leaves and their applications in dye degradation, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities

The present study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous extract of Hibiscus tiliaceus L. leaves and their application in dye degradation, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Analysis using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed that plant metabolite functional groups had a role in the reduction and stability of AgNPs, and X-ray crystallography (XRD) demonstrated that the AgNPs were in crystal form. The UV–vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential investigations revealed that the AgNPs were formed with an average size of 88.10 nm in colloidal form and were stable (-49 mV). The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) confirmed the shape and size of the AgNPs as spherical with a particle size of 30 - 35 nm, respectively. The AgNPs exhibited potential antioxidant activity by total antioxidant, DPPH, and reducing power assays. The biosynthesized AgNPs displayed a wide range of antibacterial activity on Gram-ve and Gram+ve bacteria by the zone of inhibition assay. AgNPs showed good anticancer activity on MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 65.83 µg/mL. Furthermore, AgNPs acted as potential catalysts in combination with the reducing agent sodium borohydride (NaBH4) for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), methylene orange (MO), and methylene green (MG) dyes. The degradation efficiency of catalyst AgNPs in the attendance of NaBH4 for 15 min was noted to be 12.8 %, 26.92 %, and 47.56 % for MO, MB, and MG, respectively. The study concluded that green synthesized AgNPs could be highly applicable as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents in the biomedical field. Furthermore, AgNPs could be helpful in the remediation of dye effluents.

Fabrication of stannous sulfide nanoparticles for photodegradation of thiazine derivative and evaluation of its antibacterial activity

The photocatalytic degradation of environmentally harmful chemicals has been extensively explored using a variety of photocatalysts and approaches. However, achieving efficient decomposition and removal of persistent contaminants from the aquatic environment remains a challenging factor. In this study, we report stannous sulfide nanoparticles (SnS2 NPs) prepared by a simple hydrothermal technique and characterized using various analytical methods. The prepared SnS2 NPs were used for the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation, which resulted in outstanding degradation compared to other photocatalysts. According to our results, the SnS2 NPs can destroy 98.4% of MB dye (10 ppm) in 60minutes effectively, owing to a narrowed band energy gap and photo-induced carrier separation. Based on the results of free-radical scavenging experiment, we confirmed that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are the key reactive species, and on this basis elucidated the possible degradation mechanism. Moreover, the SnS2 NPs photocatalyst exhibited good stability in degrading MB even after four recycles. Additionally, we analyzed the antibacterial activity of the prepared SnS2 NPs against pathogenic bacteria. As a result of this research, the proposed photocatalyst shows high potential for environmental remediation of harmful contaminants.

Exploring the influence of lanthanum doping on pyroelectric and pyrocatalytic Characteristics in NBT-BT-2Zn ceramics

The present work investigates the pyroelectric properties of 0.94Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-0.06BaTiO3-0.02Zn-xLa (NBT-6BT-2Zn-xLa; x = 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 in mole %) and its use in methylene blue (MB) dye degradation in wastewater. La doping is used to enhance the pyroelectric properties of NBT-6BT-2Zn for energy harvesting and pyrocatalysis applications. The 0.25 mol % La-doped sample consists of a maximum pyroelectric coefficient of 3.8 × 10−4 C m−2 °C−1 and shows a 55% MB dye decomposition. The presence of •OHandO2•− is confirmed by scavengers and radical trapping experiments. The repeatability test ensures the reusability of the NBT-6BT-2Zn-0.25La as a pyrocatalyst for dye degradation. The bulk form of NBT-6BT-2Zn-0.25La is also investigated to overcome the limitations of powder recovery in dye degradation.

Effect of surfactants (cetyl trimethyl ammonium-bromide, ethyl di-tetra amine and polyacrylamide) on the synthesis of zinc oxide for photocatalytic application

In this work, we report the effect of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), ethyl di-tetra amine (EDTA) and polyacrylamide as surfactants on synthesis of zinc oxide for photocatalytic application. The ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized with and without the surfactants and characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition to this, the morphology of zinc oxide prepared in the absence and presence of these surfactants investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As confirmed from XRD and FTIR characterization results, the use of different surfactants did not affect the composition of ZnO nanomaterials. The photocatalytic activities were investigated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under sunlight irradiation. To optimize the effects of operational parameters, the study was carried out as a function of dye concentration, catalyst dose, and pH on the degradation efficiency of the photocatalysts. The optimum values of catalyst dose, dye concentration and pH of solution were found to be 0.09 g, 5 mg/L and 10, respectively. The ZnO nanomaterials prepared with CTAB surfactant showed highest degradation efficiency of 98% indicating potential application for practical decontamination of wastewater from toxic organic pollutants. KEY WORDS: Surfactants, Zinc oxide nanoparticles, Photocatalysis, Methylene blue Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(4), 923-935.                                                                DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i4.9

Adsorption and bacterial performance of Nd2O3 modified Ag nanoparticles with enhanced degradation of methylene blue

Our study focused on the optical behavior, methylene blue (MB) dye degradation potential, antibacterial performance, and silver and trioxide mineral interaction with different bacterial species. We found that the addition of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) resulted in a significant response, with an enlargement of the inhibition zone for bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Specifically, the inhibition zone for S. aureus increased from 9.3 ± 0.5 mm for pure Nd2O3 to 16.7 ± 0.4 mm for the Ag/Nd2O3 nano-composite, while for E. coli, it increased from 8.8 ± 0.4 mm for Nd2O3 to 15.9 ± 0.3 mm for Ag/Nd2O3. Furthermore, the optical behavior of the composites showed a clear band-gap narrowing with the addition of Ag NPs, resulting in enhanced electronic localization. The direct and indirect transitions reduced from 6.7 to 6.1 eV and from 5.2 to 2.9 eV, respectively. Overall, these results suggest that the Ag/Nd2O3 nano-composite has potential applications in sensor industries and water treatment, thanks to its enhanced optical behavior, antibacterial performance, and efficient MB degradation capabilities. In terms of MB degradation, the Ag/Nd2O3 mixed system exhibited more efficient degradation compared to pure Nd2O3. After 150 min, the MB concentration in the mixed system decreased to almost half of its starting point, while pure Nd2O3 only reached 33%.