Photocatalytic Applications Research Articles

Experimental Investigations of the AC-Conductivity in NaTaO3 Ceramic Materials Doped with Cu and Al Metal Ions

Two ceramic samples of sodium tantalate (NaTaO3), doped with metal ions of copper (Cu; sample S1) or aluminum (Al; sample S2), were obtained by the sol-gel method. Complex impedance measurements in the frequency range (200 Hz–2 MHz) and at temperatures between 30 °C and 90 °C allowed identification of a transition temperature from semiconductor-type behavior to conductor-type behavior for each sample (52 °C for sample S1 and 54 °C for sample S2). In the temperature range with semiconductor behavior, the activation energy of each sample was determined. Based on the Mott’s variable-range hopping (VRH) model, the density of localized states at the Fermi level, N(EF), the hopping distance (R) and the hopping energy (W) were determined, for the first time, on NaTaO3 samples doped with Cu or Al metal ions. The increase in N(EF) of sample S2 compared to N(EF) of sample S1 was explained by the decrease in the hopping distance of charge carriers in sample S2 compared to that in sample S1. Additionally, using the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model, the energy band gap (Wm) and the hopping (crossover) frequency (ωh) at various temperatures were determined. Knowledge of these electrical properties is very important for explaining the electrical conduction mechanisms in metal ion-doped compounds, with perovskite structure being of interest for the use of these materials in the conversion of thermoelectric energy, photocatalytic applications, electronics or other applications.

Sol–gel synthesized lithium–cobalt co-doped titanium (IV) oxide nanocomposite as an efficient photocatalyst for environmental remediation

Abstract In this study, lithium cobalt co-doped titanium oxide (Li:Co-TiO2) was reported via the sol–gel method in a one-pot synthesis approach and their potential applications were evaluated for the photodegradation of organic dye as photocatalysts. The structural and optical properties of the photocatalysts were respectively elucidated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The morphological and elemental composition of the Li:Co-TiO2 was established by high-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with EDX, which confirmed a successful preparation of the photocatalysts. The modification of TiO2 with Li:Co changes the optical properties of the pristine TiO2 with a reduction in the bandgap (3.26–2.8 eV) of the resultant photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activity of Li:Co-TiO2 composites was examined for their efficacy through the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye. The photodegradation revealed an improved performance of Li:Co-TiO2 in the degradation of MB compared to pristine TiO2. The total amount of the degraded MB dye within the total time interval of the irradiation was recorded to be 72 % and 87 % for TiO2 and Li:Co co-doped TiO2 respectively. The enhanced results obtained from the photocatalytic activity of Li:Co-TiO2 to degrade MB, suggest that the composite is a potential candidate for environmental remediation and photocatalysis applications.

Hierarchical metal–organic framework nanoarchitectures for catalysis

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered significant attention in the field of catalysis due to their unique advantages such as diverse coordination geometry, variable metal nodes, and organic linkers, facilitating precise structural and compositional control for achieving programmable catalytic functionalities. Although their inherent microporous structure could provide excellent shape selectivity during catalysis, it typically impedes the mass transfer process, thereby reducing the use of internal active sites and overall catalytic efficiency. Additionally, employing single MOFs as catalysts presents challenges in achieving complex catalytic reactions that require multifunctional active sites. In recent years, considerable research efforts have focused on designing and constructing hierarchical nanostructured MOFs to alleviate substrate diffusion limitations by introducing secondary nanopores, shortening diffusion distances via the construction of low-dimensional nanoarchitectures, and constructing multifunctional catalysts by integrating distinct MOFs with suitable functions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the design, synthesis methods, and formation mechanisms of MOF-based hierarchical nanostructures in recent years. Subsequently, it further highlights their applications in thermal catalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis, along with the relationship between their hierarchical nanostructures and catalytic performances. Finally, it provides an outlook on the challenges and potential development directions of hierarchically structured MOF nanocatalysts.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Losartan with BiOCl/Sepiolite Nanocomposites

Developing highly active and available, environmentally friendly, and low-cost photocatalytic materials is one of the most popular topics in photocatalytic degradation systems. In the present study, a series of BiOCl/Sepiolite composite photocatalysts were prepared (in the range of 5%BiOCl/Sepiolite–30%BiOCl/Sepiolite). Their characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen physical physisorption at the temperature of liquid nitrogen (77 K), and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that composite photocatalysts possess superior efficiency than the parent materials for losartan, an antihypertensive agent, degradation in water, with the sample with only 10%wt. BiOCl shows the highest performance. The beneficial effect of the addition of sepiolite to BiOCl is derived from the increase in surface area, the prevention of particle aggregation, and the efficient separation of photogenerated species. Increasing catalyst concentration from 125 mg/L up to 500 mg/L was accompanied by an increase in the apparent kinetic constant from 0.077 min−1 to 0.197 min−1 while varying losartan concentration from 0.25 to 5.00 mg/L slowed down the removal efficiency. In addition, losartan degradation was only partially hampered in the case of bottled water, whereas it was practically stopped in a secondary wastewater effluent. Overall, this study serves as a useful guide for using geopolymers in photocatalytic applications.

Fine-tuning of redox-ability, optical, and electrical properties of Bi2MoO6 ceramics via lanthanide doping and rGO integration for photo-degradation of Methylene Blue and Ciprofloxacin

Herein, lanthanide ion (Gd+3) doped Bismuth Molybdate (Bi2MoO6) integrated on the rGO sheets has been prepared as a novel photocatalyst (Gd@Bi2MoO6/rGO) for the photocatalytic treatment of toxic pollutants. Different physiochemical, optical, electrical, thermal, and electrochemical properties of Gd@Bi2MoO6/rGO, along with its counterparts (Bi2MoO6 and Gd@Bi2MoO6), were studied through XRD, SEM/TEM, FT-IR, UV/Vis, I-V, TGA, Mott-Schottky, and EIS measurements. Photocatalytic experiments revealed that Gd@Bi2MoO6/rGO exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity, achieving 96.2 % photo-degradation of Methylene Blue with 120 min of irradiation, which is 6.5 and 3.1 times higher compared to Bi2MoO6 (40.9 %) and Gd@Bi2MoO6 (64.8 %), respectively. Moreover, Gd@Bi2MoO6/rGO demonstrated a notable photocatalytic efficiency of 81.7 % towards Ciprofloxacin, significant as per the existing literature benchmark. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the in-built Gd+3 redox centers, high electrical conductivity (7.35 × 10−3 S/m), favorable flat band potential (-0.81 V), and low semiconductor impedance (Rct = 51.71 Ω and Rs = 0.90 Ω). Additionally, the electron-capturing ability of lanthanide dopant ions and S-C heterojunction of Gd@Bi2MoO6/rGO facilitates the separation of photo-generated e-/h+ pairs and favors high concentrations of ROS. The results obtained highlight the potential of Gd@Bi2MoO6/rGO for applications in photocatalysis and wastewater treatment.

Fast and scalable fabrication of Ag/TiO2 nanostructured substrates for enhanced plasmonic sensing and photocatalytic applications

Here we propose a fast and scalable (up to 3 min for 6 × 1 cm size substrate) innovative approach to fabricate coral-shaped TiO2 nanostructured substrates based on thermal oxidation of titanium foil followed by deposition of Ag nanoparticles for bifunctional sensing and photocatalysis. Comprehensive studies on the morphology, crystal structure, stoichiometry, optical, and electronic properties of these nanostructures reveal the formation of a Schottky barrier at the Ag/TiO2 interface. This interface alters the electronic structure of the Ag/TiO2 nanosystem, retaining the plasmonic properties of Ag nanoparticles while enhancing their catalytic activity. The SERS performance and photocatalytic activity of Ag/TiO2 nanostructures are demonstrated by the test analyte Rhodamine 6G detection down to concentrations of 10-12 M and acceleration of its degradation under simulated sunlight by 5.8 times. Tests with tetracycline water solutions indicate a nanomolar detection limit and 4.4-fold increase in degradation rate. The proposed Ag/TiO2 nanostructures are prospective for creation of low-cost bifunctional platforms for the sensitive detection of organic residues in water as well as their fast neutralization under solar light.

Eu-doped ZnO coatings prepared by spray pyrolysis for photocatalytic applications

The ZnO-Eu2O3 coatings immobilized on stainless steel foil were synthesized by a spray pyrolysis method using an inorganic salt, Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O, and Eu2O3 nanopowder with different Zn/Eu ratios. The coatings were investigated by SEM, XRD, XPS, DRS, and photoluminescence analysis, and their photoactivity was studied in the degradation of two pollutants, lindane and methyl orange. The ZnO-Eu2O3 coatings were more photoactive than coatings containing only ZnO. Among the ZnO-Eu2O3 coatings, the photocatalyst with 2 wt% Eu2O3 showed the highest photoactivity for both pollutants. The incorporation of Eu3+ ions into the ZnO crystal lattice causes the appearance of oxygen vacancy defects and better charge separation in the ZnO-Eu2O3 coating. When the Eu2O3 concentration exceeds 2 wt%, the photoactivity decreases as additional centers for electron-hole pair recombination are created. It is shown that the main factor influencing the photoactivity of Eu-doped ZnO composite coatings is the amount of Eu3+ incorporated into the ZnO lattice.

Bryophyllum Pinnatum leaf extract mediated MoS2/ZnO nanocomposite for robust photocatalysis applications

One of the primary problems of the twenty-first century is the removal or degradation of organic dyes and antibiotics from water systems since they both contribute significantly to water pollution. To address this issue, molybdenum disulfide and zinc oxide nanocomposite (MoS2/ZnO) were produced by simple, eco-friendly and low cost process using Bryophyllum pinnatum (leaf) phytoextract (BPP) as a reducing as well as capping agent. The prepared BPP-mediated MoS2/ZnO nanocomposite (BP-MoS2/ZnO NC) samples were characterized through various techniques including powder XRD, Rietveld refinement, UV–Vis spectroscopy, FESEM, DLS and FT-IR spectroscopy. The BP-MoS2/ZnO samples were further tested for their use in the sunlight-powered photocatalytic breakdown of methylene blue (MB) and their efficiency to break MB molecules was contrasted with the BPP-mediated ZnO (BP-ZnO), Chemical ZnO (Ch-ZnO) and pure MoS2. The photocatalytic investigation reveals a remarkable enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of pristine ZnO when sensitized with MoS2. These results underscore the synergistic effect achieved by combining ZnO and MoS2. Notably, we found that the optimal catalytic performance is achieved at a Mo atomic percentage of 2 % relative to Zn, emphasizing the importance of precise control for maximizing efficacy. Under sun exposure, 0.5 g/L of BP-MoS2/ZnO resulted in 89.35 % photodegradation of a 20 mg/L MB solution with a rate constant of 0.07537 min-1, which was around 10.42 %, 28.51 %, and 51.86 % greater than BP-ZnO, Ch-ZnO, and pure MoS2, respectively. Further, the efficacy of the BP-MoS2/ZnO NC as solar-driven photocatalysts for removal of pharmaceutical drugs (Amoxicillin & Metronidazole) and textile dyes (Methyl orange) pollutants in sunlight was also investigated. These results show that Bryophyllum extract-mediated MoS2/ZnO is a promising material for solar-based photocatalytic applications.

Size Dependence of Ultrafast Electron Transfer from Didodecyl Dimethylammonium Bromide-Modified CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals to Electron Acceptors.

Charge transfer efficiencies in all-inorganic lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are crucial for applications in photovoltaics and photocatalysis. Herein, CsPbBr3 NCs with different sizes are synthesized by varying the ligand contents of didodecyl dimethylammonium bromide at room temperature. Adding benzoquinone (BQ) molecules leads to a decrease in the PL intensities and PL decay times in NCs. The electron transfer (ET) efficiency (ηET) increases with NC size in complexes of CsPbBr3 NCs and BQ molecules (NC-BQ complexes), when the same concentration of BQ is maintained, as investigated by transient photobleaching and photoluminescence spectroscopies. Controlling the same number of attached BQ acceptor molecules per NC induces the same ηET in NC-BQ complexes even though with different NC sizes. Our findings provide new insights into ultrafast charge transfer behaviors in perovskite NCs, which is important for designing efficient light energy conversion devices.

Synthesis and characterization of CMC-wrapped Nano-ZnO for photocatalytic degradation of dye under sunlight

This research work focused on studying the fabrication of biopolymer carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) wrapped ZnO nano-composite materials (ZnO-CMC NCs) and its applications in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) using under sunlight Irradiation. ZnO-CMC NCs were synthesized by using zinc acetate dihydrate as a precursor under alkaline conditions followed by the addition of capping agent CMC followed by calcination at various temperatures. The materials were characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis and powder XRD studies. The presence of CMC as a capping agent not only facilitated the nucleation and growth of (nanoparticles) NPs but also it provided stability and functionalization to the NPs. The varying calcination temperature played a significant role in influencing the size of NCs during the synthesis process. The crystallite size of ZnO-CMC NCs were found to be 19.5959 nm, 21.2518 nm, 23.5000 nm, 27.5930 nm, 34.9789 nm at 250°C, 350°C, 450°C, 550°C, and 650°C calcinations temperature respectively. It was observed that size increases slightly by increasing the calcination temperature from 250°C to 450°C. However, further increase in calcination temperature increases crystallite size significantly. The degradation of MB dye has been studies under UV-Vis spectrophotometer and it was observed that synthesized ZnO-CMC NCs were very efficient in the photocatalytic degradation of MB under natural sunlight. We believe that, these synthesized CMC-wrapped ZnO NCs will find wide range of photocatalytic applications for the treatment of organic pollutants in various dyes used in the chemical industries.

An efficient multifunctional SnS2/g-C3N4 hierarchical nanoflower catalyst for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic applications

The rising energy demand via renewable sources and existence of organic pollutants in water has attracted the world-wide attention to attain sustainable ecosystems. The development of a multi-functional catalyst with significant economic and environmental implications remains a challenge. Herein, we synthesized SnS2/g-C3N4 hierarchical nanoflower using solvothermal method, verified by XRD and FTIR investigations. The surface morphology was analyzed using FESEM, TEM and HRTEM while optical absorption via UV–Vis spectroscopy. SnS2/g-C3N4 displayed outstanding electrocatalytic activity for HER and OER with smaller tafel slope and higher values of current density. The results are in accordance with Cdl and ECSA values, ensuing more active sites and surface area for a catalytic reaction to take place. As-prepared SnS2/g-C3N4 also exhibited 90 % photocatalytic MB deterioration in 90 min upon solar irradiation, following first order kinetics. Type-II mechanism for charge transfer alongwith reactive specie trapping experiment and cyclic stability is also presented. The findings suggests that SnS2/g-C3N4 emerged as proficient catalyst for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic applications.

Visualizing and Controlling of Photogenerated Electron-Hole Pair Separation in Monolayer WS2 Nanobubbles under Piezoelectric Field.

The piezoelectric properties of two-dimensional semiconductor nanobubbles present remarkable potential for application in flexible optoelectronic devices, and the piezoelectric field has emerged as an efficacious pathway for both the separation and migration of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, along with inhibition of recombination. However, the comprehension and control of photogenerated carrier dynamics within nanobubbles still remain inadequate. Hence, this study is dedicated to underscore the importance of in situ detection and detailed characterization of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in nanobubbles to enrich understanding and strategic manipulation in two-dimensional semiconductor materials. Utilizing frequency modulation kelvin probe force microscopy (FM-KPFM) and strain gradient distribution techniques, the existence of a piezoelectric field in monolayer WS2 nanobubbles was confirmed. Combining w/o and with illumination FM-KPFM, second-order capacitance gradient technique and in situ nanoscale tip-enhanced photoluminescence characterization techniques, the interrelationships among the piezoelectric effect, interlayer carrier transfer, and the funneling effect for photocarrier dynamics process across various nanobubble sizes were revealed. Notably, for a WS2/graphene bubble height of 15.45 nm, a 0 mV surface potential difference was recorded in the bubble region w/o and with illumination, indicating a mutual offset of piezoelectric effect, interlayer carrier transfer, and the funneling effect. This phenomenon is prevalent in transition metal dichalcogenides materials exhibiting inversion symmetry breaking. The implication of our study is profound for advancing the understanding of the dynamics of photogenerated electron-hole pair in nonuniform strain piezoelectric systems, and offers a reliable framework for the separation and modulation of photogenerated electron-hole pair in flexible optoelectronic devices and photocatalytic applications.

Enhancing bacterial control and daylight-driven water remediation with chitosan-impregnated MoC nanosheets.

The functionalization of nanoparticles with 2D nanosheets is an effective approach to enhance their functional properties for pollutant removal. This research outlines the synthesis of a 2D-delaminated molybdenum carbide (MXene) chitosan nanocomposite (2D-d-Mo2CTx-Cs NC) with bacterial control and photocatalytic properties for dye adsorption. The nanocomposite includes Tx-surface terminating groups O, OH, and F. In this investigation, the composite was synthesized using the etching method and its formation was confirmed through UV spectra at 288nm. It was characterized through FTIR, XRD, Particle size, Zetapotential, FESEM, HRTEM, EDAX, and XPS analyses. FTIR spectral analysis of NC suggests that amines are formed through a Schiff base reaction between glutaraldehyde and Cs, or through the interaction of terminal aldehydes and carbonyl groups. The XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the composite. FESEM images revealed irregularly structured nanosheets (NSs) material in the prepared 2D-d-Mo2CTx-Cs NC samples. HRTEM images revealed 2D-d-Mo2CTx NSs impregnated onto Cs with an average size of 50nm, as confirmed by a particle size analyzer, with a zeta potential value of -15mV. Additionally, Mo, C, N, and O are the most significant elements present in the NC, as confirmed by EDAX and XPS analyses. Further, biocompatibility testing of 2D-d-Mo2CTx-Cs NC yielded positive results. Moreover, under sunlight, the composites effectively adsorbed methylene blue with a 90% adsorption capacity, as confirmed by kinetic studies. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of Cs and d-Mo2CTx NSs resulted in significant antibacterial (50-200µl of 1mg/ml) and antibiofilm activity (100µl of 1mg/ml) against pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, this study represents the first report on the use of 2D-d-Mo2CTx-Cs NC for daylight-influenced photocatalytic applications with a bacteria-controlling effect.

Bismuth‐based metal‐organic frameworks and derivatives for photocatalytic applications in energy and environment: Advances and challenges

AbstractPhotocatalysis is an environmentally friendly technology for the utilizations of solar energy and has garnered significant attention in both scientific and industrial sectors. Developing cost‐effective semiconductive materials is the core issue in photocatalysis. Bismuth‐based metal‐organic frameworks (Bi‐MOFs) have emerged as attractive candidates in various photocatalytic applications, and Bi‐MOFs derivatives further expand and consolidate their promising potential in the realm of photocatalysis. Various modification strategies including in‐situ tailoring or external doping, as well as meticulous design and selection of metal nodes and organic linkers allow for fine control over the surface multifunctionality in Bi‐MOF‐based and derived photocatalytic composites with adjustable energy band structures and enhanced photocatalytic performance. In this review, the recent progress in the synthesis of diverse Bi‐MOFs‐based materials, Bi‐MOFs derivatives, and their Bi‐containing semiconductive composites were systemically analyzed and reviewed. The state‐of‐the‐art research progresses in the applications of Bi‐MOFs and derivatives, as well as composites in photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production, photodegradation of organic pollutants, and photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction are comprehensively summarized. The relationships between structures, properties, and photocatalytic performance of Bi‐based semiconductive composites are discussed in detail. In addition, the perspectives and future challenges on Bi‐MOFs‐based and derived materials for photocatalytic applications are also offered.

Sol–gel processed (ZnxNi1−x)O binary composite characterized for gas sensing and photocatalytic applications

Sol–gel processed (ZnxNi1−x)O binary composite characterized for gas sensing and photocatalytic applications

An Insight into the Impact of Nano CuCo2O4 Doping on the Optical and Dielectric Performance of PMMA/Carbon Nanoparticles

In the present study, novel functional properties were achieved for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) through loading with carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) as well as varying quantities of CuCo2O4 nanoparticles. The blends obtained were subjected to different characterization techniques. Extensive investigations of different optical properties were carried out, covering linear and nonlinear optical properties. After the incorporation of CNPs/CuCo2O4 in the host polymer matrix, the absorbance, reflectance and refractive index exhibited improvements, while continuous reductions in both direct and indirect optical band gap energies were observed. Significant improvements in the linear and nonlinear optical parameters were observed with increasing CuCo2O4 doping levels. Dielectric measurements provided insights into the impact of CuCo2O4 content on the ac conductivity, energy density, dielectric properties, and electric modulus across all blends. The sample doped with 1.5 wt% exhibited the highest dielectric constant. In conclusion, the optical and dielectric properties of the PMMA/CNPs/x wt% CuCo2O4 blends make them promising candidates in optoelectronics and photocatalysis applications.

Dual green reduction mechanisms to prepare rGO-CoNPs nanocomposite using pomegranate peel extract: Electrochemical and photocatalysis applications

This paper presents a novel, eco-friendly, cost-effective method for synthesizing a special nanohybrid material based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) using pomegranate peel as a waste food source. The study proposed two reactional mechanisms that suggest ascorbic and gallic acid are directly involved in the reduction process. Electrochemical studies revealed a remarkable performance indicating its potential for electrochemical sensing applications. Additionally, the nanocomposite exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methylene blue demonstrating its potential as an effective photocatalyst for environmental application. The green approach presented in this study is effective for synthesizing high-performance nanomaterials.

Dye-sensitized sepiolite clay as natural scaffolds for visible light driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Natural clay minerals are increasingly used as superior support materials for various photocatalysts due to their excellent adsorption capacity, negative surface charge, suitable thermal/chemical stability, large specific surface area, and strong surface reactivity, resulting in low agglomeration and suppression of charge recombination. However, they are still insufficient for photocatalysis due to their low efficiency. Therefore, sensitization of clay minerals with dyes to improve the efficiency and specificity of catalysts is considered a promising route for photocatalytic applications. In this work, the effect of dye sensitization on visible light-driven photocatalytic water splitting of microfibrous sepiolite scaffolds as natural photocatalyst supports was investigated for the first time by using various xanthene dyes (eosin Y, rhodamine B and eryhtrosine B (ErB)) and triethanolamine as photosensitizers and sacrificial agents, respectively, in the absence and presence of platinum as a co-catalyst. The clay/dye system was characterized using various techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-rays. Sep/ErB photocatalysts produced the highest amount of hydrogen among the other Sep/dye scaffold systems because they act as an effective matrix by preventing nanoparticle aggregation and promoting electron transfer due to their excellent crystal structures and physicochemical properties.

Solar light driven degradation of piroxicam and paracetamol by heterogeneous photocatalytic fenton system: Process optimization, mechanistic studies and toxicity assessment

The widespread occurence of pharmaceutical pollutants seriously threatens the environment and human well-being. In the present study, zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) have been synthesized by co-precipitation method and used as photocatalyst for the degradation of two most commonly prescribed painkillers, piroxicam (PXM) and paracetamol (PCM), via heterogeneous Fenton process under the solar light. The synthesized ZnFe2O4 NPs showed a narrower band gap i.e. 1.87 eV, signifying the ability to efficiently work in visible light range. In context of photocatalytic applications, the operational conditions were optimized to achieve maximum degradation. PCM and PXM were completely degraded (100%) at the optimized photocatalytic dose (20 mg L−1), reaction time (180 min), initial drug concentration (10 mg L−1), and pH (6.0), which is close to the natural environment. The extent of mineralization as estimated by the reduction of total organic carbon (TOC) was observed to be ∼91 and 82% for PCM and PXM respectively. Kinetic studies revealed that photocatalytic degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Moreover, the ZnFe2O4 NPs retained ∼90 % of photocatalytic activity after five consecutive reaction cycles, showing remarkable reusability and stability of catalyst.

Vertically aligned interlocked tungsten oxide nanosheet thin film for photocatalytic application: effect of deposition cycles

Vertically aligned interlocked tungsten oxide nanosheet thin film for photocatalytic application: effect of deposition cycles