Facile Co-precipitation Route Research Articles

Enhanced electrochemical activity of boron doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles towards supercapacitor application

Doping via metal/nonmetal/metalloid dopants in to the crystal structural surface of cobalt oxide nanoparticles are promising for creating electroactive supercapacitors with excellent electrochemical performance. Herein, we fabricate boron doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles (B@Co3O4) via a facile co-precipitation route for supercapacitor applications. The incorporation of boron into cobalt oxide nanoparticles (3M B@Co3O4) brings a ∼4.2-fold increase in a specific surface area (548.126 m2g-1), decrease in band gap energy and reduced in crystalline size. Consequently, the B doped Co3O4 NPs displays a maximum specific capacitance of 998.12 F/g, which is ∼1.50-fold increased as compared to 668.79 F/g of the pristine Co3O4 NPs at current density 1.5mA/cm2 and scan rate 2mV/s in 1M KOH electrolyte solution. Moreover, 3M B@Co3O4 NPs demonstrates excellent power density 711.14W/kg and high energy density 195.96Wh/kg Wh/kg. Hence, we believe that boron doped cobalt oxide nanoparticles are a promising electroactive material for the supercapacitive applications.

Influence of transition metal (Cu) and rare earth metal (Dy) co-doping on spinel zinc ferrite (Cu0.1Dy0.08Zn0.9Fe1.92O4) for improved photocatalytic degradation of industrial effluents

In the present era, design and development of novel, highly stable, easily and magnetically separable, cost effective, and visible light driven catalytic material for the removal of harmful industrial effluents is of great importance. In this context, facile co-precipitation route was adopted for the synthesis of ZnFe2O4 (ZFO), Cu0.1Zn0.9Fe2O4 (CZFO), Dy0.08ZnFe1.92O4 (DZFO), and Cu0.1Dy0.08Zn0.9Fe1.92O4 (CDZFO) and their fabrication was confirmed by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The phase analysis of all designed materials exhibits that there is an increment in the crystallite size of co-doped zinc ferrite (CDZFO) i.e. 11.51 nm as compared to ZFO (10.74 nm), CZFO (10.92 nm), and DZFO (11.41 nm). The optical study shows a significant decrease in bandgap of CDZFO i.e. 1.82 eV as compared to DZFO (1.89 eV), CZFO (2.0 eV), and ZFO (2.14 eV). This decrease in optical bandgap and increase in crystallite size of the CDZFO is due to the quantum confinement effect. The photocatalytic efficiency of pure, doped, and co-doped samples was investigated against organic dye (Congo red), pharmaceutical drug (ibuprofen), and colorless organic compound (benzoic acid). The photocatalytic results reveal that CDZFO showed about ∼90 % degradation of Congo red while ZFO, CZFO, and DZFO showed only 59 %, 70 %, and 79 % respectively. Moreover, CDZFO also showed highest photocatalytic removal efficiency against ibuprofen (88 %) and benzoic acid (74 %) out of all other synthesized materials. The remarkable photodegradation ability of CDZFO for all targeted pollutants could be attributed to the generation of crystal defects in its lattice, its small bandgap, and higher absorption in visible region. Furthermore, the recyclability experiment confirmed the stability and reusability of the prepared sample.

Synergistic effect of samarium and PVP doped MgO nanostructures for RhB degradation and inhibition of DNA gyrase with molecular docking studies

Various concentrations (2 and 4 wt%) of Samarium (Sm3+) with a fixed amount (3 wt%) of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) doped magnesium oxide (MgO) nanostructures (NSs) were synthesized via facile co-precipitation route. Trivalent dopant (Sm3+) and PVP narrowed the effective band gap of MgO and, controlled the recombination dynamics of the electron-hole pair and stabilized the nanostructures. This innovative treatment aimed to harness the potential ability of MgO to target bacterial cells and eliminate notorious dyes from wastewater. Advanced analytical (EDS and elemental mapping), crystallographic (XRD, SAED, FESEM, TEM and HR-TEM), and optical (UV–Vis and Raman) techniques were operated to probe their exclusive properties. The Sm/PVP-doped MgO displayed a pronounced catalytic activity against RhB dye in an acidic medium (96.42 %). Moreover, antibacterial activity was investigated using an agar well diffusion approach. At a high dosage, the % efficacy of pure and doped nanostructures against MDR S. aureus was 55.05, 65.64, 30.06 and 46.01, respectively. In silico docking investigation indicated that Sm/PVP-doped MgO NSs could inhibit DNA gyrase enzyme in S. aureus.

Silver-doped cadmium aluminate and its MXene based composite for visible-light driven photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

Visible-light-driven photocatalysis has attracted enormous prominence as a sustainable approach to address escalating environmental pollution. Consequently, it is paramount to develop photocatalysts featuring absorption in visible light with enhanced charge separation to perform well under solar light irradiation. Herein, we have fabricated pure (CdAl2O4) and silver-doped cadmium aluminate (Ag–CdAl2O4) by following the facile coprecipitation route while the MXene-based composite of doped material (Ag–CdAl2O4/MXene) by ultrasonication. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared photocatalysts was estimated by degrading crystal violet and phenol as sample pollutants. The composite material displayed substantially enhanced photocatalytic performance and degraded ∼95 % (0.0204 min−1) and ∼84.6 % (0.0130 min−1) of crystal violet and phenol, respectively. This enhanced catalytic performance corresponds to the synergism of silver doping and composite fabrication, enhancing the visible-light-response and efficient decoupling of the photo-generated charge carriers. Additionally, active species generated during the photocatalytic process and their role in the breakdown of the targeted pollutants were determined by the scavenging investigation. The kinetics study revealed the first-order kinetics model for the degradation reaction of the targeted pollutants. The present findings unveil the significant catalytic potential of the as-fabricated composite (Ag–CdAl2O4/MXene) for the degradation of organic pollutants.

Tailoring the electrical, optical, physical, and photocatalytic properties of indium-doped cerium molybdate microstructures reinforced with a 2D carbonaceous

Composite materials featuring metal oxides incorporated in 2D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have received significant attention as visible-light-driven photocatalysts to address wastewater treatment. In this study, pure (Ce2(MoO4)3) and indium-doped (In–Ce2(MoO4)3) cerium molybdate microstructures were fabricated by the facile coprecipitation route, and the nanocomposite of doped material with the 2D rGO (In–Ce2(MoO4)3/rGO) by ultrasonication. The effect of indium-doping and composite formation on the microstructural, morphological, optical, electrical, surficial, and thermal properties of the cerium molybdate was investigated by various physical, spectroscopic, and electrochemical techniques. XRD results confirm the successful indium-doping in the host lattice. The photocatalytic potential of the fabricated photocatalysts was estimated by degrading methylene blue (MB) dye as a sample pollutant under visible light irradiation. The composite material exhibited enhanced photocatalytic degradation (k = 0.0355 min−1) of the MB dye in comparison to pure (k = 0.0096 min−1) and doped (0.0131 min−1) materials. This superior catalytic activity of the composite material is credited to the synergism arising from indium doping and composite formation, which extends the visible light absorption, suppresses the fast recombination of charges, and enhances the electrical conductivity of the photocatalyst. The present investigation reveals the promising photocatalytic potential of the as-fabricated composite material (In–Ce2(MoO4)3/rGO) for degrading MB in aqueous media, offering an economical and sustainable strategy to address wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Investigation of photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac sodium and acetaminophen by Zn-Ag co-doped barium hexaferrite@CNTs Composite

Herein, a facile coprecipitation route was followed to synthesize Zn-Ag co-doped barium hexaferrite (ABHF) and its nanocomposite with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using the ultrasonication method. Various characterization techniques were used to analyze the structure and optical properties. The bandgap energy of BHF and ABHF was 2.16 eV, and 2.09 eV respectively. Diclofenac sodium and acetaminophen were used to study the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples. It was noted that the bare sample showed 29.46 % and 44.96 % degradation for diclofenac sodium and acetaminophen respectively. The highest catalytic activity was shown by the nanocomposite (ABHF@CNTs) that degraded 70.87 % and 84.34 % of diclofenac sodium and acetaminophen respectively. Photodegradation of diclofenac sodium and acetaminophen (pharmaceutical drugs) was increased due to a reduction in bandgap energy (Eg), increased surface area, and prolonged e--h+ pair recombination of the synthesized samples.

Fabrication of rare earth (Tb+3) and alkaline earth metal (Mg+2) Co-doped CdAl2O4@MXene composite: A unique approach to tune bandgap energy through quantum confinement effect for photocatalytic applications

The present work includes the use of effective strategy to improve the photocatalytic degradation activity of CdAl2O4 via dopant assimilation to enhance the bandgap energy (Eg) and to influence the light-sensitive activity of this spinel mixed oxide. In this study, CdAl2O4 (CA), Mg–CdAl2O4 (MCA), and Tb-doped Mg–CdAl2O4 (TMCA) were fabricated by the facile co-precipitation route and an ultra-sonication approach was used to prepare a composite of Tb-doped Mg–CdAl2O4 with MXene (TMCA@MXene). The obtained results from UV–Visible analysis deduce that there is an increase in Eg of MCA (2.51 eV) and TMCA (2.67 eV) as compared to pure CA (2.45 eV) which follows the quantum confinement effect accompanying the decrease in crystallite sizes of doped samples as compared to CA. The significant increase in bandgap energy of TMCA is due to the confinement of electrons in a small area and also due to the conversion of continuous energy levels into discrete energy levels. Moreover, UV–Visible spectroscopic analysis was made to evaluate the catalytic performance of fabricated photocatalysts against harmful organic pollutants. The photocatalytic study showed that the co-doped CdAl2O4 (TMCA) is a better photocatalyst than MCA and CA for the degradation of selected pollutants. Among all synthesized catalysts i.e. CA, MCA, TMCA, and TMCA@MXene, the highest photocatalytic activity was shown by MXene based nanocomposite. TMCA@MXene showed ∼86 % degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and 79.6 % degradation of Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). The outstanding photocatalytic efficacy of TMCA@MXene could be accredited to the quantum confinement effect produced by co-doping of alkaline earth metal (Mg+2) and rare earth metal (Tb+3) and large surface area, high conductivity, and excellent light harvesting capability provided by MXene sheets. Hence, TMCA@MXene could be an effective photocatalyst in future for the removal of toxic organic pollutants.

Fabrication of a novel polyvinylpyrrolidone/chitosan-Schiff base/Fe2O3 nanocomposite for efficient adsorption of Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution

A novel magnetic polyvinylpyrrolidone/chitosan-Schiff base/Fe2O3 (PVP/CS-SB/Fe2O3) adsorbent was prepared by one-pot facile co-precipitation route for adsorption of Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions from aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared-spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) were used to characterize the synthesized PVP/CS-SB/Fe2O3. The results predicted that the successfully synthesis of magnetic CSSB-PVP@Fe2O3. The effects of important factors such as pH solution, contact time, concentration of metal ions, adsorbent dose and co-existing ions on Pb(II) and Hg(II) adsorption were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacities of Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions at optimal conditions were 120 mg/g and 102.5 mg/g, respectively. The kinetic studies predicted that the adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model as chemisorption using the coordination of active sites of PVP/CS-SB/Fe2O3 with the metal ions and also n-π interactions. Reproducibility results predicted that the excellent regeneration ability after 6 adsorption cycles. According to the results of this work, the PVP/CS-SB/Fe2O3 nanocomposite is promising for Pb(II) and Hg(II) ions adsorption and can be potential as a simple, low-cost, high-efficient adsorbent for decontamination of other heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.

Antimony-doped cerium ferrite: a robust photocatalyst for the mitigation of diclofenac potassium, an emerging contaminant

The present work reports an improvement in the photocatalytic performance of cerium ferrite (CeFeO3) via doping of antimony (Sb) towards the photodegradation of toxic pharmaceutical pollutant i.e. diclofenac potassium. The variable concentrations of Ce1-xSbxFeO3 (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.09) were prepared using facile co-precipitation route and subsequently characterized for their optical, structural, morphological, and dielectric properties using various analytical techniques. It was established that an increase in Sb concentration as dopant (up to x = 0.07) reduced the optical band gap from 2.74 eV to 2.42 eV making it suitable candidate for photodegradation. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed orthorhombic phase of synthesized materials with small crystallite sizes in the range of 15.28 to 2.42 nm. The high value of dielectric constant (3.5841 × 106) for Ce0.93Sb0.07FeO3 with small loss tan (3.1208) compared with the CeFeO3 indicated its ability as photocatalyst to effectively store charges to make them utilize for photocatalytic activity. The degradation efficiency of Ce0.93Sb0.07FeO3 reached 86.7% in 120 min of light irradiation under optimized conditions (pH = 4, catalyst dosage = 15 mg, primary drug concentration = 5 mg/L). Ce0.93Sb0.07FeO3 was also found to be stable over its multiple catalytic runs as only 6.5% decline in degradation efficiency was observed in recyclability test. The remarkable performance of antimony doped cerium ferrite against the removal of persistent pharmaceutical pollutant indicated its strong potential to be used in wastewater treatment in future works.

The high impact of zinc chromium oxide nanocombs on development of larvicidal and antimicrobial performance

Zinc chromium oxide (Cr/ZnO, 5wt.%) was prepared by a facile chemical co-precipitation route. The structure, composition, and chemical bonding were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicating that chromium ions were integrated the host framework to form Cr/ZnO nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs showed comb-shaped nanoparticles with an average size 20 nm and large surface area. The energy gap of the thin films was estimated from T% and R% measurements which exhibit a strong optical absorption edge close to the visible spectrum. The insecticidal activity of the synthesized nanocombs against C. pipiens larvae was evaluated with LC50 (30.15 ppm) and LC90 (100.22 ppm). Besides, the nanocomposite showed high antibacterial performance against gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative bacteria (Proteus vulgaris) with inhibition zones 21.9 and 19 mm, respectively.

Excellence evaluation of samarium doped Mn-Zn ferrite nanocrystals for room temperature HCl detection

The Samarium doped Smx: Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2-xO4 (SMZFO) (x = 0.0–0.1) nanocrystals (NCs) have synthesized by a clean, environmentally friendly, simple, low temperature, facile chemical co-precipitation route. The surface features of the SMZFO NCs were exploited by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyzer, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and ultraviolet visible (UV) spectroscopy. The gas sensing measurements have been carried out by computer-interfaced gas sensing setup. The Sm 0.075: MZFO sensor exhibited maximum response of 47.24 % towards 100 ppm HCl at room temperature (RT, i.e., 27 °C). The minimal concentration detected by the sensor was 10 ppm with quickest response time (17.57 s) and recovery time (23.82 s). This is the first attempt made ever for detection of HCl by SMZFO NCs sensor at RT. To understand interaction mechanism of HCl gas molecules and SMZFO NCs sensor surface, impedance spectroscopy was employed. The SMZFO NCs sensor has demonstrated spectacularly improved gas sensing performance to open new doors in the era of gas sensor technology.

Synthesis of AgFeO2 delafossite catalyst and its application for photo-degradation of dye present in solution

The present work highlights the physicochemical properties of a series of novel silver ferric oxide (AgFeO2) delafossite nanoparticles while employing them as photocatalysts under visible light irradiation. The first sample was synthesized by a facile co-precipitation route (AFO-0) while the second and third samples were prepared at a constant hydrothermal temperature (180 °C) with varying reaction time of 2 h (AFO-2) and 8 h (AFO-8) and all three samples were subjected to visible light irradiation to photo-degrade Malachite Green (MG) dye. The crystalline structure, morphology, functional groups, elemental analysis, and optical property was conducted by their respective characterization techniques. The size of nanocrystals increased with the hydrothermal time and the average particle size of AFO-0, AFO-2 and AFO-8 were 87.7 nm, 154 nm, and 209.3 nm respectively, with AFO-8 exhibiting prominent hexagonal flake-like morphology. The direct band gap of AFO-0, AFO-2 and AFO-8 were 2.74 eV, 2.53 eV and 2.11 eV respectively and the Urbach energy was 0.20 eV, 0.217 eV and 0.254 eV respectively. The photo generated charge isolation efficiency of the samples was conducted where charge recombination sequence was of the order: AFO-8<AFO-2<AFO-0. The sample AFO-8 exhibited the optimum performance which resulted in excellent degradation of MG under visible light irradiation based on all the batch study experiments using solution pH, comparative analysis, catalyst dose, initial pollutant concentration as parameters. Finally, the optimum conditions at which AFO-8 degraded 97 % of MG were: 80 mg catalyst dose, pH 8, 20 mg L−1 (100 mL) MG, 90 min reaction time, 30 °C temperature and 130 rpm agitation speed. As per the quenching tests, the OH° and O2°− radicals were the governing reactive species that were responsible for degrading MG.

Effective catalytic and antimicrobial performance of multiple phase AgBr and polyacrylic acid doped nickel oxide nanostructures with In Silico molecular docking study

A facile co-precipitation route was adopted to synthesize NiO2 nanostructures (NSs) doped with various weight ratios (2 and 4 wt.%) of AgBr and a fixed amount of PAA. This study aimed to investigate the RhB degradation on multiple media with the antimicrobial activity of pristine and doped NiO2. The morphological, structural, elemental, and optical characterizations of prepared samples were examined. X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD) exhibited the hexagonal structure of NiO2 and confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized sample. The TEM images affirmed the nanoparticle and nanorod-like morphology. The UV–Vis analysis revealed that the absorption performance of synthesized samples is comprehensive in the ultraviolet region (277 nm) and band gap energy (Eg) decreased upon doping (4.1–3.36 eV). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) has stretching and vibrational modes of Ni–O and other functional groups. NiO2 has a large band gap with a high charge recombination rate issue. The supreme performance of NiO2 can be credited to PAA and AgBr, which hinder the e−/h+ recombination process by charge separation. The catalytic activity of AgBr/PAA doped NiO2 demonstrates remarkable performance against RhB and benzoic acid, with maximum degradation in acidic medium and exhibited higher antimicrobial efficacy for Escherichia coli. Docking studies were employed to decipher the mechanism underlying the bactericidal activity of AgBr/PAA-doped NiO2 NSs and PAA-doped NiO2 NSs for β-lactamase and DNA gyrase inhibition.

A facile surfactant-assisted co-precipitation route preparation of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material

A facile surfactant-assisted co-precipitation route preparation of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material

Single-pot green synthesis of novel thiol-engineered iron thiomalate (Fe-TA) metal organic framework for selective adsorption of mercury in water

A novel thiol-functionalized iron thiomalate metal organic framework (Fe-TA) was synthesized using a facile, single step and green coprecipitation route. The synthesis procedure was optimized and it was proven to be an exclusive way over conventional hydrothermal method. This newly reported MOF was characterized in detail using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, BET, and Zetasizer to determine the morphological and compositional properties that indicated to the amorphous nature of Fe-TA. The MOF demonstrated high adsorption of aqueous inorganic mercury that was thoroughly explored in varying range of experimental conditions, namely, adsorbent dose, solution pH, feed Hg concentration, temperature, and time to analyze the adsorption isotherms along with the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. The maximum capacity was evaluated as 1223 mg/g at 298 K using the Langmuir isotherm model and the adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics. XPS analysis was used to confirm chemisorption as the governing mechanism by strong lone pair interactions between S and Hg forming a Hg-S complex. The high negative zeta potential of Fe-TA (-18 mV) aided in strong electrostatic interactions with Hg2+ favoring the adsorption process. The selective affinity (Kd: 5.35 × 105 mL/g) and substantial regenerative quality (>93%) of the adsorbent was also reported.

Effect of iron concentration on the structure and thermoelectric performance of copper sulphide nanostructures

Nanostructured copper sulfide (CuS) and iron (Fe) doped CuS materials were synthesized through facile chemical co-precipitation route by using ammonia as a capping agent. Evaluations of the structural, morphological, and electrical behavior of the fabricated materials were carried out by employing XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and two probe I–V method. XRD exhibited cubic phase of CuS and later on peak broadening was observed in the samples upon Fe incorporation. Cu–S linkage and presence of other functional groups were figured out through application of FTIR. Furthermore, a boost in electric current has observed across the synthesized samples during the study of I–V characteristics and such behavior can be attributed towards increase of Fe content, temperature, and voltage across the synthesized nanomaterials.

Novel red-emitting orthorhombic GdInO3:Eu3+ perovskite phosphor: Structural resolution, Judd-Ofelt theory, and comparative investigation with hexagonal counterpart

A novel orthorhombic GdInO3:Eu perovskite red phosphor, endowed with good luminescence properties, was synthesized via a facile co-precipitation route plus controllable thermolysis. Its structural features, optical properties, and luminescent behaviors were compared with the hexagonal counterpart in detail. The two GdInO3 matrixes have relatively wide direct bandgaps (∼5.07 eV for orthorhombic perovskite and ∼5.13 eV for hexagonal phase) and low phonon energies (∼368 cm−1 for orthorhombic perovskite and ∼425 cm−1 for hexagonal contrast). Eu3+ substitution for Gd3+ occupies the C2v symmetry site without an inversion center in orthorhombic GdInO3, while the hexagonal GdInO3 provides two crystallographic positions for Eu3+ residence (∼2/3 at C3 site and ∼1/3 at C6v site). The emission spectra of two phosphors present characteristic 5D0→7FJ transitions of Eu3+ and the optimum activator concentrations are both 10 at.%. They also have good thermal stability of luminescence with relatively high similar activation energies of ∼0.25 eV. F+ center (VO∙ oxygen vacancy) is the primary defect form in the two perovskites, which has little effect on the entire red emission of orthorhombic phosphor but shifts the chromaticity coordinate of hexagonal contrast toward orange region. The orthorhombic GdInO3:Eu phosphor exhibits stronger emission intensity, a longer fluorescence lifetime, and a higher color purity than the hexagonal counterpart. Judd–Ofelt theory further confirms that orthorhombic GdInO3:Eu is an efficient red-emitting material with the relatively large parameters of Ω2 = 7.01 × 10–20 cm–2 and Ω4 = 2.85 × 10–20 cm–2.

A facile synthesis route and photo-catalytic properties of mixed-phase bismuth molybdate

The polymorphs (α – Bi2Mo3O12, β – Bi2Mo2O9, γ – Bi2MoO6) of bismuth molybdate (BMO) exhibit photo-catalytic activity. Among them, the β phase exhibits good photo electrochemical (PEC) performance but suffers from stability issues. In this work, mixed-phase BMO compounds were synthesized using a facile co-precipitation route. The processed BMO showed a band gap of 2.46 eV. The sample with predominantly γ-BMO (γ – Bi2MoO6) with lower α and β content exhibited better photo-electrochemical performance with a photocurrent density of 1.12 μA/cm2 and lower charge transfer resistance compared to the BMO-1 sample with a larger amount of α and β phases. Both the samples displayed n-type conductivity and excellent photoresponse under chopped illumination.

Green synthesis of nickel oxide coupled copper hexacyanoferrate (NiO2–CuHCF) nanocomposites for efficient and highly stable natural sunlight-driven photocatalytic degradation of wastewater pollutants

Metal hexacyanoferrates are found to be the promising candidates utilized to degrade toxic dyes from waste water under natural sunlight irradiation. Coupling of metal hexacyanoferrate with metal oxide enhances the degradation efficacy. In present work, nickel oxide coupled copper hexacyanoferrate nanocomposites (NiO2–CuHCF) are synthesized by employing facile co-precipitation route. XRD reveals the incorporation of NiO2 with CuHCF. SEM confirms the sheet like structures of NiO2–CuHCF nanocomposite. TEM demonstrates the even distribution of elements present in the NiO2–CuHCF nanocomposite. XPS shows the active participation of constituents having different valence states. The UV–Vis (DRS) is employed to measure the optical properties. The band gap of nickel oxide coupled copper hexacyanoferrate nanocomposite (NiO2–CuHCF) decreases in comparison with pure copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) from 1.23 to 1.14 eV. 97% degradation of Methyl blue (MB) is observed in just 110 min by NiO2–CuHCF nanocomposite when exposed to natural sunlight. Moreover, it also retains 92% photocatalytic efficiency over 6 cycles which shows its excellent stability and reusability. The improved photocatalytic performance of NiO2–CuHCF nanocomposite is attributed to their sheet resembling morphologies which may provide adequate active sites responsible to transport more charge carriers and also reduce charge recombination. In general, this research may open new avenue to use CuHCF with the addition of NiO2 in future as an efficient degradation agent at industrial level.

Sol-gel auto-combustion synthesis of a novel chitosan/Ho2Ti2O7 nanocomposite and its characterization for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant in wastewater under visible illumination

In the last few years, the release of toxic contaminants into the ecosystem has expanded dramatically. Hence, multiple photocatalysts have been improved for the elimination of toxic contamination. The manufacture of photocatalysts based on nanostructures is a promising strategy to improve photocatalytic potential. In this regard, Ho2Ti2O7 and chitosan-coated Ho2Ti2O7 nanocomposites have been manufactured through a facile auto-combustion and co-precipitation route. Diverse factors, including calcination temperature, type of precursor of titanium, solvent, and types of fuels, can affect the structure, purity, morphology, and particle size of samples. Ho2Ti2O7 nanostructures are a good candidate for photocatalytic evolution owing to their adequate bandgap (2.5 eV) in the visible region. This is the first study of the photocatalytic efficacy of Ho2Ti2O7 and chitosan-coated Ho2Ti2O7 nanocomposites. Their photocatalytic performance was explored over several dyes as pollutants, including malachite green, methyl violet, eriochrome black T, methylene blue, acid red 198, methyl orange, and thymol blue under visible radiation. Besides, diverse parameters, such as Ho2Ti2O7 contents, dye levels, were studied on the efficiency of the reaction. The results demonstrated that the maximum efficiency of Ho2Ti2O7 and its chitosan-coated was perceived over malachite green with degradation percentages of 95.7 and 79.9%, respectively. Ho2Ti2O7 nanostructures were highly stable due to their recyclability test and kept their photocatalytic potential over five cycles. The decrease in photocatalytic efficiency in the 5th period is 7.1%.