Photocatalytic Activity Of Zinc Oxide Research Articles

Synergistic photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide and low molecular weight chitosan nanocomposite

Synergistic photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide and low molecular weight chitosan nanocomposite

Visible light-driven removal of Rhodamine B using indium-doped zinc oxide prepared by sol–gel method

Industrial dye contamination in wastewater poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating the development of efficient photocatalysts for degradation. In this work, we investigate the In doping effect in the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for effective RhB degradation. Indium-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via sol–gel method and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a wurtzite hexagonal structure, with the crystallite size being varying from 65 nm to 53 nm with the introduction of In content. XPS measurements on the 3% In-doped ZnO sample revealed distinct core level spectra for In 3d, Zn 2p, and O 1s regions, confirming the presence of indium, zinc, and oxygen. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed increased surface area and pore size, with specific surface areas escalating from 0.9 m²/g for pure ZnO to 10.1 m²/g for 3% indium-doped ZnO. Photocatalytic experiments exhibited significant RhB degradation, with degradation efficiencies reaching 93% for 3% indium-doped ZnO under visible light irradiation due to the effect of the presence of In, which causing light absorption enhancement, narrow the band gap and improve charge carrier separation. These findings underscore the potential of indium-doped ZnO nanoparticles as efficient and sustainable photocatalysts for wastewater treatment, offering a promising avenue to address environmental challenges associated with industrial dye-contaminated effluents.Graphical

A sustainable green synthesis for photocatalytic and antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Cucumis maderaspatanus leaf extract

This study investigated the synthesis and photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) at room temperature (ZnO-RT), 60° C (ZnO-60), and ultra sonication (ZnO-US). The NPs were made from Cucumis maderaspatanus (Cm) extract. ZnO NP sizes and shapes were observed to be influenced by synthesis conditions, as demonstrated by characterization techniques includes scanning electron microscopic analysis (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infra Red analysis (FTIR). The heated (60 °C) and ultra sonication (US) conditions produced NPs with diameters in the range of 15–25 nm with spherical shapes, while the non-heated (RT) condition produced NPs with diameters in the range of 20–30 nm with a mixture of spherical and flower shapes confirmed by SEM. Additionally, the presence of the reducing agents in the herbal extract was verified by analysing the FTIR spectra of the extract obtained after the synthesis. By using Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 (CBB-R-250) (50 ppm) as a probe molecule and subjecting it to UVA irradiation (λ = 356 nm), photocatalytic activity was measured. The results showed that ZnO-US reached 100 % degradation after 120 min and 90 % of the pollutant was mineralized, while ZnO-60 and ZnO-RT showed results of 80 % and 48 %, respectively. According to this study, the biological synthesis of NPs using plant extracts can be considered as a cost-effective and efficient method of biological synthesis of NPs and it could be an appropriate replacement to typical chemical methods for the synthesis of NPs.

Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Properties of ZnO and Mg-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lupinus albus Leaf Extract.

Dye effluents discharged from various industries contribute to environmental contamination, making their treatment highly necessary. Infectious diseases also pose a threat to public health worldwide. Nanomaterials have promising features and are potential candidates for overcoming the problems of drug resistance in microbes and environmental pollution. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium-doped zinc oxide (Mg-doped ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using the plant extract of Lupinus albus for applications in photocatalysis and antimicrobial activity. A sample of Lupinus albus leaves was collected from Motta, in the eastern Gojjam zone of Ethiopia. The leaves were air-dried and then ground into a powder. The powdered plant material was extracted using distilled water. The ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs were synthesized using 0.1 M Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, 7.5% 0.1 M Mg(NO3)2.6H2O, and 10 mL of the leaf extract. The nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using UV-vis, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM. The average crystallite sizes of ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs were determined using the Debye-Scherrer formula and were found to be 28.1 and 34.4 nm, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized NPs was evaluated against four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus) and one fungal strain (Candida albicans) by using the agar disk diffusion method. The Mg-doped ZnO NPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with a maximum zone of inhibition measuring 24 and 22 mm against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs was investigated by studying the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under sunlight irradiation for 120 min. The results showed that Mg-doped ZnO NPs exhibited higher photocatalytic activity (99.6%) than ZnO NPs (94.1%). In conclusion, the synthesized NPs could serve as viable alternatives for antimicrobial drugs and photocatalysts to mitigate the pollution of the environment caused by organic dyes.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of ZnO under visible light by co-doping of Ta and C using hydrothermal method.

This study attempted to improve the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductors in the visible light region by introducing the co-doping of carbon (C) and tantalum (Ta) to ZnO (ZTC) using a simple hydrothermal method with the respective precursors. The obtained uniform ZTC nanoparticles with an average crystal size of 29.30 nm (according to Scherrer's equation) revealed a redshift with a decrease in bandgap (Eg) from 3.04 eV to 2.88 eV, allowing the obtained photocatalyst to absorb the energy of the visible light for photocatalysis. Furthermore, the Zn 2p and Ta 4f core level spectra confirmed the presence of Zn2+ and Ta5+ in the ZTC sample. In addition, the infrared spectra identified hydrogen-related defects (HRDs), while the O 1s spectra indicated the existence of oxygen vacancies (VO). Electrochemical tests revealed improvement in the electron conductivity and charge separation of the obtained materials. To follow, the photocatalytic performance assessment was conducted by varying the C/Zn2+ ratios (5, 10, and 15 mol%) in ZTC samples, the initial RhB concentration (7, 15, and 30 ppm), and the pH of the RhB solution (3.0-10.0). The photodegradation on ZTC samples showed the most effectiveness for a 7 ppm RhB solution with a C/Zn2+ ratio of 10 mol% in the slightly alkaline medium (pH 9.0). Additionally, ZTC also exhibited commendable durability after being reused several times. The nature of RhB photodegradation was proposed and discussed via a mechanism at the end of this work.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide and tin doped zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by direct injection flame synthesis

Pristine zinc oxide and tin doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared using single step rapid direct injection flame synthesis (DIFS) method and compared. The results revealed prominent changes in morphological and optical properties due to the incorporation of Sn ions into ZnO matrix and its origin was discussed. Upon doping the ZnO nanoparticles experiences change in length along the c- axis which increases the volume of the unit cell and bond length of zinc and oxygen ions. Other than that, tin doping in ZnO introduces new intrinsic defect level which decreases the electron hole recombination rate at the interface and enhances the formation of hydroxyl radicals and superoxide which further improves the photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue (93%) compared to pure ZnO (81%).

Characterization of ZnO/rGO Nanocomposite and Its Application for Photocatalytic Degradation

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method with an additional spray coating. This paper focuses on the effect of rGO coating on charge transfer and interaction between ZnO and rGO that remarkably contributes to the enhancement of the electrical and optical properties of ZnO-based NRs. The synthesized ZnO/rGO nanocomposite was characterized using FESEM, PL spectroscopy and XPS. FESEM analysis results showed that the surface morphology of the synthesized NRs had a hexagonal rod structure covered with rGO layers on the tip of the rod. The Tauc Plot analysis revealed that the rGO layers reduced the bandgap of ZnO NRs from 3.25 eV to 3.17 eV, where the light absorption increased. The chemical composition, electronic state, and interactions between the elements in the ZnO NRs/rGO nanocomposites were investigated using XPS. The presence of oxygen species due to the rGO deposition layers is indicated by the shift of the peak position toward a greater binding energy. The hybridization of this semiconductor and graphene material reduced the bandgap and lowered the PL emission. Finally, the photocatalytic activity of ZnO NRs/rGO has been studied for methylene blue degradation via oxidation. The results showed that the photocatalytic reaction rate constant of ZnO NRs/rGO > pristine ZnO NRs.

Improved photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide through the formation of novel ternary tungsten trioxide/carbon nanotube/zinc oxide composite photocatalyst

This study aimed to resolve the inherent limitation of zinc oxide (ZnO) and produce a highly efficient photocatalyst through the formation of a novel ternary tungsten trioxide (WO3)/carbon nanotubes (CNT)/ZnO composite photocatalyst via sol-gel and deposition methods. The presence of WO3 and CNT enhances the photocatalytic activity of the ternary composite photocatalyst toward degradation of MB and BSA. The rate and efficiency of the photodegradation were elevated with increasing loading of WO3. This can be ascribed to the lower band gap energy, effective charge separation and charge transfer supplied CNT, and the Z-scheme heterojunction formed in the ternary composite photocatalyst. The highest photodegradation rate was attained by the 11 wt% WO3/CNT/ZnO composite photocatalyst in which a complete degradation of MB and BSA were achieved in 120 and 150 min, respectively. The ternary composite photocatalyst demonstrated a good stability by maintaining at least 95% of MB degradation after four consecutive cycles.

Effect of phenol concentration on the photocatalytic performance of ZnO nanoparticles

AbstractBACKGROUNDPhenol and its derivatives are considered toxic compounds, even at low concentrations. Their accumulation in water effluents has become a serious problem that could be resolved by using zinc oxide (ZnO)‐based photocatalysts.RESULTSZnO nanoparticles were synthesized through the precipitation method, using zinc nitrate and sodium carbonate as reagents. The as‐synthesized powder was calcined for 4 h at 500 °C (2° C min−1). X‐Ray diffraction analysis confirmed a hexagonal crystalline phase (wurtzite) with an average crystallite size of 38 nm. The Kubelka‐Munk method was used to determine a band gap of 3.27 eV through UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum and a Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) specific area of 12 m2 g−1 was obtained from N2 adsorption analysis. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO was evaluated under visible light (300 W) lamp, with 1 mg mL−1 of photocatalyst and using phenol solutions at different concentrations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 ppm; the obtained degradation percentages were 98%, 97%, 94%, and 71%, respectively. Three cycles were performed with the ZnO used in the reactions with phenol at 5 and 50 ppm, decreasing the degraded percentages to 87% and 65%, respectively. The generation of hydroxyl radicals was estimated for the ZnO and ZnO samples after three cycles by means of fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. It was observed that the first‐used ZnO material generated a significant amount of hydroxyl radicals.CONCLUSIONWhen compared to ZnO after three cycles of reaction, the amount of generated hydroxyl radicals decreased. It was observed that the higher the amount of phenol, the lower the generation of hydroxyl radicals after reuse; this was probably due to the presence of some adsorbed by‐products of the photocatalytic reaction on the surface of ZnO, as the FTIR spectrum of the post‐reaction sample showed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Получение высокодисперсного порошка оксида цинка путем сжигания смеси нитрата цинка с глицином и его применение для фотокаталитического разложения фенола

The paper presents the results of a detailed study of the process and products of combustion during self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) of ZnO zinc oxide powder from mixtures of such common reagents as oxidizer zinc nitrate and reducing agent (fuel) glycine, as well as the application of synthesized highly dispersed submicron and nanosized ZnO powder for the phenol photocatalytic decomposition under the action of ultraviolet irradiation. An aqueous solution of a mixture of reagents (the SHS-S process or Solution Combustion Synthesis – SCS) and the gel from a mixture of initial dry reagents formed when they were moistened due to hygroscopicity (the SHS-G process or Gel Combustion Synthesis – GCS) were combusted. The authors studied the phase and chemical compositions, the structure of the combustion product, and the effect of calcination in an oxidizing air medium and grinding in drum ball and planetary-centrifugal mills, as well as in mortar, on them and their photocatalythic activity. The study showed that calcination considerably increases the photocatalytic activity of combustion products due to a significant decrease in carbon impurity in the unburned fuel remains, and grinding in mills reduces the photocatalytic activity due to iron contamination and coarsening of ZnO particle agglomerates. The difference between the photocatalytic activity of the SHS-G and SHS-S products in the phenol decomposition is evident only at the initial stage of ultraviolet irradiation, after which this difference disappears. The authors discuss the direction of further research to increase significantly the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide synthesized during combustion to use it effectively for the phenol decomposition under the action of visible light.

Morphology and Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Oxide Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Mini Review

There is an approximately 3% of fresh water available globally for utilization, while the rest of the water is not available for usage, leaving billions of people with less water. Less water availability means that the majority of water consists of pollutants either in ground water or drinking water, which in turn may have a negative impact on the environment and people. Various methods such as plasma technology, flocculation, neutralization, and disinfection have been utilized for wastewater treatment. The wastewater treatment methods have been found to be selective in terms of the removal of other pollutants, as a result, the majority of them are unable to remove pollutants such as antibiotics at a trace level. In order to ensure that there is a complete removal of pollutants from water, there is a need for the development of alternative wastewater treatment methods. The use of solar light by photocatalysis is an alternative method for the degradation of toxic pollutants. Different photocatalysts such as zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silver (Ag) have been used in the process of photocatalysis. However, the above photocatalysts were found to have drawbacks such as agglomeration at higher contents and health problems during transportation. To solve the above problem, the nanoparticles were immobilized in various matrices such as polymers and ceramics, with polymers being preferred because of low cost, chemical inertness, and high durability. The current review discusses various methods for the preparation of ZnO and its synergy with other nanoparticles incorporated in various polymer matrices. Because it is known that the preparation method(s) affects the morphology, the morphology and the photocatalytic activity of various ZnO/polymer composites and hybrid systems of ZnO/other nanoparticles/polymer composites are discussed in depth.

Photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide – graphene oxide composites

Recently, the use of various dyes in the cellulose, textile, plastics and rubber industries has resulted in severe toxic and dye contamination of wastewater. These toxic dyes are not biodegradable and have a detrimental effect on the environment, blocking sunlight and reducing photosynthesis. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop a low-cost effective technology for purifying wastewater from harmful organic pollutants. In this context, photocatalysis is an advanced, environmentally friendly oxidation process for wastewater treatment. Recent studies have shown that the use of semiconductor photocatalytically active materials with a wide band gap is an effective method for the decomposition of organic pollutants in aqueous solutions. In this work, a low-cost technology for the synthesis of composite semiconductor zinc oxide / graphene oxide (ZnO / GO) materials by chemical deposition from an aqueous solution has been developed. The morphology, structural and photoluminescent properties of the synthesized ZnO/GO samples with different graphene oxide concentration have been studied. The research of the photocatalytic activity of synthesized zinc oxide – graphene oxide composite materials is carried out by observing an aqueous solution of rhodamine B dye degradation under ultraviolet illumination.

Palladium and Graphene Oxide Doped ZnO for Aqueous Acetamiprid Degradation under Visible Light

Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide widely used in pest control. In recent years, it has been considered as a contaminant in groundwater, lakes, and rivers. Photocatalysis under visible light radiation proved to be an effective process for getting rid of several organic pollutants. In the present work, photodegradation of aqueous acetamiprid was investigated over bare zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalyst as well as ZnO doped with either palladium or palladium combined with graphene oxide. Both ZnO and doped-ZnO were synthesized via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal procedure. The obtained photocatalysts were characterized using different techniques. After 5 h of reaction at ambient temperature under visible light irradiation, acetamiprid conversions attained ca. 38, 82, and 98% in the presence of bare ZnO, Pd-doped ZnO and Pd-GO-doped ZnO photocatalysts, respectively, thus demonstrating the positive effect of Pd- and GO-doping on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO. In addition, Pd-GO-doped ZnO was shown to keep its activity even when it is recycled five times, thus proving its stability in the reaction medium.

Preparation of novel cosmetic white pigments by mechanochemical treatment of zinc oxide with phosphoric acid

ABSTRACT Zinc oxide has a photocatalytic activity, but in cosmetics it is used as a white pigment. When used in cosmetics, this photocatalytic activity causes some of the skin’s sebum to be broken down by the ultraviolet rays contained in sunlight. In this study, we attempted to mill zinc oxide with phosphoric acid to react the powder surface to zinc phosphate. Since zinc phosphate has no photocatalytic activity, the particles whose surface is replaced by zinc phosphate are expected to have little photocatalytic activity. The chemical composition, powder properties, photocatalytic activity, hue (visible light reflectance, L*a*b* value), and smoothness of the obtained powder materials were examined. A portion of the zinc oxide was reacted to zinc phosphate by milling with phosphoric acid. In some samples, the reaction to zinc phosphate was observed to be too advanced, resulting in larger particles. The photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide was successfully eliminated through milling. Although the samples in this study had sufficient whiteness, the whiteness of some of the samples decreased due to contamination by milling. The smoothness of the pigment powders produced in this study was improved by milling, especially by prolonged treatment and the use of low concentrations of phosphoric acid.

Photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide for dye and drug degradation: A review

Photocatalysis has been drawing in an expanding interest due to its many applications. Metal oxides are considered as best photocatalyst due to its remarkable properties, economical and persistent. When metal oxides exposed to light there is an excitation of electrons and formation of holes in valence band hence free radical mechanism initiates. Several metal oxides can act as photocatalyst but zinc oxide has been most generally concentrated because of its capacity to breakdown pollutants into simpler molecules and even accomplish total degradation. Zinc oxide nanoparticles has large band gap that is 3.37 eV and 60 meV excitation binding energy due to this it gains attention in research. In this review paper photocatalytic degradation of zinc oxide has been highlighted. Nanoparticles of ZnO have been investigated as photocatalysts that can be applied for degradation of dyes, drugs and other pollutants. Comparative study of degradation efficiency of different dyes and drugs has been presented here. Maximum degradation efficiency of dyes is 100% and drugs is 98% which have been reported.

Preparation of novel cosmetic white pigment by pyrophosphate treatment of zinc oxide

Zinc oxide, which has photocatalytic activity, is used as a white pigment in cosmetics. With cosmetics containing zinc oxide, some sebum on the skin is broken down by the UV rays of the sun. In this study, in order to suppress the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide, zinc oxide was added to an aqueous solution of sodium pyrophosphate and shaken, so that novel white pigment coated with zinc phosphate having no photocatalytic activity was prepared for use in cosmetics. The chemical composition, powder properties, photocatalytic activity, hue (visible light reflectance and L* a* b* values), and smoothness of the resulting powder material were studied. Part of the zinc oxide reacted to zinc phosphate by this pyrophosphate treatment. The photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide was suppressed by this zinc phosphate coating. The resulting sample had sufficiently high reflectance in the visible light region and a high L* value in the L*a*b* color space. The treated samples had lower static friction resistance than the original zinc oxide. Judging from the results of photocatalytic activity, L* value, and smoothness, the optimum conditions were the molar ratio P/Zn of 1/4 for 6 h of shaking the mixture.

Variation of pH and Composite Dosage on the Photocatalytic Activity for ZnO/epoxy Nanocomposites

In this research, Zinc oxide (ZnO)/epoxy nanocomposite was synthesized by simple casting method with 2wt. % ZnO concentration. The aim of this work was to study the effect of pH and composite dosage on the photocatalytic activity of ZnO/ epoxy nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique images proof the homogeneous distribution of ZnO nanoparticles in epoxy. A synthesized nanocomposite samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIR) measurements. Two spectra for epoxy and 2wt.% ZnO/epoxy nanocomposites were similar and there are no new bonds formed from the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles. Using HCl and NaOH were added to Methylene blue (MB) dye (5ppm) to gat pH values 3 and 8. The degradation of the dye was 90.816% were pH =8 after 180 min. under sun-light. The degradation was 6.131% were pH=3 after 240 min. under sun-light irradiation. It is found that the base solution help in accelerating the photocatalytic process, pH with high value provides greater concentration of hydroxyl ions which interact with h+ to form hydroxyl radicals OH- that give an enhancement degradation rate of dyes. The dose of ZnO was increased from 3g to 6g with Methylene blue MB (5ppm) the degradation was 94.3755% after 240 min. under sun-light irradiation. This means that increasing the dose of ZnO, the photocatalytic activity will be increased.

A Brief Photocatalytic Study of ZnO Containing Cerium towards Ibuprofen Degradation.

Ibuprofen (IBU) is one of the most-sold anti-inflammatory drugs in the world, and its residues can reach aquatic systems, causing serious health and environmental problems. Strategies are used to improve the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide (ZnO), and thosethat involvethe inclusion of metalhave received special attention. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the parameters and toxicity of a photoproduct using zinc oxide that contains cerium (ZnO-Ce) for the photodegradation of ibuprofen. The parameters include the influence of the photocatalyst concentration (0.5, 0.5, and 1.5 g L−1) as well as the effects of pH (3, 7, and 10), the effect of H2O2, and radical scavengers. The photocatalyst was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, Raman, X-Ray Diffraction, surface area, and diffuse reflectance. The photocatalytic activity of ibuprofen was evaluated in an aqueous solution under UV light for 120 min. The structural characterization by XRD and SEM elucidated the fact that the nanoparticle ZnO contained cerium. The band gap value was 3.31 eV. The best experimental conditions for the photodegradation of IBU were 60% obtained in an acidic condition using 0.50 g L−1 of ZnO-Ce in a solution of 20 ppm of IBU. The presence of hydrogen peroxide favored the photocatalysis process. ZnO-Ce exhibited good IBU degradation activity even after three photocatalytic cycles under UV light. The hole plays akey role in the degradation process of ibuprofen. The toxicity of photolyzed products was monitored against Artemia salina (bioindicator) and did not generate toxic metabolites. Therefore, this work provides a strategic design to improve ZnO-Ce photocatalysts for environmental remediation.

Heteroleptic Ruthenium(II) Complexes with 2,2'-Bipyridines Having Carbonitriles as Anchoring Groups for ZnO Surfaces: Syntheses, Physicochemical Properties, and Applications in Organic Solar Cells.

Heteroleptic ruthenium (II) complexes were used for sensitizing ZnO surfaces in organic solar cells (OSCs) as mediators with photoactive layers. The complexes [Ru(4,4'-X2-bpy)(Mebpy-CN)2]2+ (with X = -CH3, -OCH3 and -N(CH3)2; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; Mebpy-CN = 4-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine-4'-carbonitrile) were synthesized and studied by analytical and spectroscopical techniques. Spectroscopic, photophysical, and electrochemical properties were tuned by changing the electron-donating ability of the -X substituents at the 4,4'-positions of the bpy ring and rationalized by quantum mechanical calculations. These complexes were attached through nitrile groups to ZnO as interfacial layer in an OSC device with a PBDB-T:ITIC photoactive layer. This modified inorganic electron transport layer generates enhancement in photoconversion of the solar cells, reaching up to a 23% increase with respect to the unsensitized OSCs. The introduction of these dyes suppresses some degradative reactions of the nonfullerene acceptor due to the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide, which was maintained stable for about 11 months. Improving OSC efficiencies and stabilities can thus be achieved by a judicious combination of new inorganic and organic materials.

Photodegradation of methyl orange dye by using Zinc Oxide – Copper Oxide nanocomposite

The principal objective of this study was to synthesize, characterize and investigate the photocatalytic activity of Zinc Oxide - Copper Oxide nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye under Ultraviolet irradiation. Co-precipitation method was used to synthesize the photocatalysts. Characterization of the crystal structure and phase state, the functional groups, analysis of the metals and band gap energy were determined by using different spectrophotometric methods. Also the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite was investigated by using Ultraviolet Visible spectrophotometer through irradiation of Ultraviolet lamp. The findings of this study indicated that the optimum photodegradation efficiency of the composite for the removal of Methyl orange was 92.18%at the optimized concentration of 0.3 gm of the catalyst, at pH of 8 and contact time of 120 minutes. In general, Photocatalysis might have effective degradation efficiency for organic dyes so as to remediate the environment from contamination of industrial wastes.