Reusable Photocatalyst Research Articles

Simple modification of titanium(IV) oxide for the preparation of a reusable photocatalyst

Titanium dioxide is extensively researched due to its interesting photoactive properties. One of such is photocatalysis and potential use in photoremediation. New photocatalysts based on titania and metallated phthalocyanines potentially suitable for photodecomposition of environmental pollutants were developed in the presented work. The obtained materials were characterized using various techniques, such as thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, particle size analysis, electron spin resonance, BET surface area measurements, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the photoremediation potential of hybrid materials was studied in ibuprofen and naproxen solutions. During the photocatalytic experiments, it was found that the use of copper(II) phthalocyanine resulted in 92% removal of ibuprofen within six hours, whereas zinc(II) phthalocyanine deposited on titania was able to decompose 94% of naproxen within two hours. Post-reaction solutions were subjected to acute toxicity assay using Microtox. The photocatalysts were found to be non-mutagenic in the Ames test, proving their usefulness and safety in photoremediation.

Preparation and Application of Nb2O5 Nanofibers in CO2 Photoconversion.

Increasing global warming due to NO, CO, and CH, is significantly harming ecosystems and life worldwide. One promising methodology is converting pollutants into valuable chemicals via photocatalytic processes (by reusable photocatalysts). In this context, the present work aimed to produce a NbO photocatalyst nanofiber system by electrospinning to convert CO. Based on the collected data, the calcination at 600 C for 2 h resulted in the best condition to obtain nanofibers with homogeneous surfaces and an average diameter of 84 nm. As a result, the NbO nanofibers converted CO mostly into CO and CH, reaching values around 8.5 mol g and 0.55 mol g, respectively.

Visible-light driven graphene oxide/titanium dioxide hydrogels for photocatalytic reduction of nitrite

Photocatalysis is particularly suitable for removing nitrite (NO2−) under irradiation from liquid samples. A reusable photocatalyst gel with high conversion selectivity is currently not available. This study investigated graphene oxide (GO)/titanium dioxide (TiO2)/polyethylene diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels (GTHs) as a reusable catalyst, which can degrade NO2− into nitrogen gas (N2) under visible light. GO-modified TiO2 can narrow the energy band gap of TiO2 from 3.39 to 2.89 eV and achieve a NO2− removal efficiency of more than 98% in 6 h under light-emitting diode irradiation. Formic acid used as a hole scavenger achieved a N2 selectivity of 75.6 ± 1.1%. The NO2− removal efficiency and N2 selectivity of GTHs were not affected by high salinity water. GTHs can eliminate 94.0 ± 2.0% NO2− and achieve a N2 selectivity of 64.9 ± 2.1%. After ten cycles, GTHs retained a removal efficiency of 80–90%. The results indicate that GTHs are a promising material for wastewater treatment.

Selective Photooxygenation of Dihydroartemisinic Acid in a Reusable Microreactor with Physically Immobilized Photocatalysts

Photocatalytic production of organic materials including Artemisinin has been hampered in the pharmaceutical industry because of low reusability and selectivity of photocatalysts. In this work, reusable photocatalysts were synthesized through novel physical and electrostatic immobilizations. After four reaction cycles of dihydroartemisinic acid (DHAA) photooxygenation using physically supported photosensitizers, the conversion was slightly reduced from 81 to 78%, indicating their high reusability. This occurred while maintaining the selectivity of the desired product above 85%, which was higher than that of the homogeneous photosensitizers. Then, a continuous-flow microreactor functionalized with these reusable polystyrene-supported photocatalysts was applied toward the photooxygenation of DHAA at ambient temperature and pressure to produce Artemisinin with a high yield confirmed by the 1H-NMR analysis. Moreover, theoretical evaluations using finite element method simulation showed a 2-µm high local singlet oxygen (1O2) concentration around the reusable photocatalysts which agreed very satisfyingly with the data available in the literature.

Synthesis and characterization of the magnetic submicrocube Fe3O4/TiO2/CuO as a reusable photocatalyst for the degradation of dyes under sunlight irradiation

Throughout this study, the magnetic submicrocube Fe 3 O 4 was synthesized and then coated by TiO 2 . The resultant (Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 ) was loaded via CuO yielding to Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 / CuO. The intermediate and final products were characterized by using different methods. Based on the PL spectra, the electron/hole recombination of Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 /CuO was reduced compared to Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 . Moreover, the DRS spectrum revealed that the Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 /CuO band gap was narrower than that of Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 . XRD and HRTEM results denoted that Fe 3 O 4 , TiO 2 and CuO were crystallized in cubic, tetragonal and monoclinic phases, respectively. The photocatalytic effect of the Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 /CuO on degradation of methylene blue (MB), methyl red (MR), congo red (CR) and methyl orange (MO) was investigated by being exposed to sunlight irradiation. The photocatalyst could be simply separated from the reaction mixture and thereafter be reutilized in dyes degradation reaction. Having the reaction mixture recycled, the obtained photocatalyst could be reutilized for further usages. The MB degradation was examined in the presence of different scavengers to suggest the mechanisms. The scavenger test results showed that the hydroxyl radical could play a prominent role in the photocatalytic degradation of MB with Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 /CuO under the sunlight irradiation. • The magnetic submicrocube Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 /CuO is regarded as an efficient photocatalyst in degradations of dyes. • Formation of p–n heterojunction between CuO and Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 greatly reduced the band gap and electron/hole recombination rate. • Magnetic properties of Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 /CuO facilitated the recovery of the photocatalyst from the reaction mixture. • • OH played a prominent role in the degradation of MB.

Enhanced mechanical and photocatalytic performances of epoxy nanocomposites filled with potassium‐modified graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets

AbstractThe unique structure and property of K+‐modified graphitic carbon nitride (K‐CN) nanosheets would be beneficial for developing advanced epoxy nanocomposites. However, the compatibility between K‐CN nanosheets and epoxy matrix is a big challenge. In this study, we demonstrate a new and effective method to improve the compatibility of K‐CN nanosheets and epoxy by using 1‐(oxiran‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1H‐indole (IN) as surface modifier through the cation‐π interaction between K+ on the surface of K‐CN nanosheets and indole group of IN. In addition, the covalent bond between epoxy group of IN and amino group of curing agent could be used to participate in the formation of the epoxy network. When the content of K‐CN nanosheets is 0.5 wt%, the tensile strength of prepared epoxy nanocomposites increases by 60.7% and extensibility of prepared epoxy nanocomposites increases by 53.4% compared to neat epoxy resin. In addition, the prepared epoxy nanocomposites are used as efficient reusable photocatalysts for degradation of methylene blue (MB). The efficiency of MB degradation is 98% within 60 min. This work opens up a new avenue to fabricate high‐performance epoxy nanocomposites with multifunctional properties for advanced engineering applications.

In situ growth of MIL-88A into polyacrylate and its application in highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in water

The development of a green, efficient, and reusable photocatalyst is of great importance for degradation of organic pollutants in water. Herein, MIL-88A@PA, a composite consisting of macroporous polyacrylate (PA) and metal organic frameworks (MOFs), was prepared by suspension polymerization, amine functionalization, and in-situ growth of MOFs. The nanosized MIL-88A of only 50–100 nm in diameter was reduced by approximately 90% owing to the control of heterogeneous nucleation and growth. More catalytic active sites were exposed and the photocatalytic activity of MIL-88A was significantly improved. The specific surface area of MIL-88A was increased from 132.79 to 219.78 m2/g owing to the decreased crystal size, and the corresponding degradation rate constant of Rhodamine B (RhB) was 9.4 times than that of pure MIL-88A. Under visible light irradiation, RhB could be completely degraded in 60 min using MIL-88A@PA with a loading amount of 45%. The degradation rate was still 97% after 5 cycles. The high photocatalytic activity of MIL-88A@PA can be attributed to the effective separation of photogenerated carriers, lower transfer resistance, and more active sites. The composite MIL-88A@PA material exhibits high stability and photocatalytic activity, which offers the potential in environmental cleaning.

Novel magnetically separable tetrahedral Ag3PO4/NrGO/CuFe2O4 photocatalyst for efficient detoxification of 2,4-dichlorophenol

An effective as well as eco-friendly photodegradation methods by atoxic and easily reusable photocatalysts are essential for wastewater treatment. Silver phosphate (Ag3PO4) specifically in tetrahedral shape is one of the superior catalysts under visible light but its photocorrosion, poor electron transfer ability and low surface adsorption properties limits its applications. Combination of Ag3PO4 and nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (NrGO) having higher in surface area, ample functional groups and hetero atom doping is expected to get over the problem. Further addition of a spinel ferrite (CuFe2O4) could enhance the visible light response activity and helps in easy separation of catalyst for reuse. Given the merits of Ag3PO4, NrGO and CuFe2O4 we rationally integrated a novel magnetically separable stable Ag3PO4/NrGO/CuFe2O4 photocatalyst for efficient detoxification of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). About 95.3% degradation efficiency was achieved by Ag3PO4/NrGO/CuFe2O4 (k = 0.01978 min−1) which was ~2.6 times higher than pure Ag3PO4 (k = 0.00747 min−1) in 60 min of visible light irradiation. The Ag3PO4/NrGO/CuFe2O4 heterojunction was able to separate and recycle easily using an external magnetic field due to its strong magnetism, and after 5 recycles it showed 88.6% of degradation efficiency revealed its higher stability and recyclability. The photocatalytic mechanism of Ag3PO4/NrGO/CuFe2O4 was explained by heterojunction energy-band theory. In addition, the plausible intermediate products of 2,4-dichlorophenol were analyzed by ESI/LC-MS and proposed the pathway. Moreover, the phytotoxicity was also studied on V. radiata in which GI (germination index) was found to be 11.97% before degradation, while 80.31% of GI was observed in 60 min of degradation which revealed that more significant reduction in toxicity was attained on this photodegradation.

Coupling Covalent Organic Frameworks and Carbon Nanotube Membranes to Design Easily Reusable Photocatalysts for Dye Degradation

Coupling Covalent Organic Frameworks and Carbon Nanotube Membranes to Design Easily Reusable Photocatalysts for Dye Degradation

Photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid from aqueous solutions by Ag3PO4/TiO2 nanoparticles under visible light: kinetic and thermodynamic studies.

Between the countless chemical substances applied in agriculture, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide is considered as a toxic and carcinogenic pollutant which is difficult to remove from water due to its biological and chemical stability and high solubility. The goal of this study was photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-D, using Ag3PO4/TiO2 nanoparticles under visible light. The Ag3PO4/TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FESEM and EDS analysis to investigate its crystal structure and elemental compounds. The effect of operating parameters such as pH, contact time, catalyst dose, and initial concentration of herbicide on the efficiency of the process was studied. Increasing the pH and initial concentration of herbicide led to the reduction of the efficiency of removing the herbicide, while increasing contact time and catalyst dose increased the efficiency. The best result (98.4% removal efficiency) was achieved at pH = 3, 1 g/L catalyst dose, 60 min contact time, and 10 mg/L initial concentration of 2,4-D. According to the results, 2,4-D removal efficiency with Ag3PO4/TiO2 photocatalyst reached 96.1% from 98.4% after 5 cycles of reaction. The pseudo-first-order kinetics was the best fit for the 2,4-D degradation by Ag3PO4/TiO2 with correlation coefficients (R2 = 0.9945). The results demonstrated that the photocatalytic process using Ag3PO4/TiO2 nanoparticles in the presence of visible light had a relatively good efficiency in removing 2,4-D. Moreover, Ag3PO4/TiO2 can be used as a reusable photocatalyst for the degradation of such toxins from polluted water and wastewater.

Amine-functionalized Zr-MOF/CNTs nanocomposite as an efficient and reusable photocatalyst for removing organic contaminants

In the current study, a new water-stable nanocomposite and amine-functionalized zirconium-based metal-organic framework/carbon nanotube (UiO-66-NH2@CNT) was synthesized using the hydrothermal approach, displaying superior photodegradation of anionic and cationic dyes under visible-light irradiation. Methyl orange (MO) and Rhodamin B (RhB) were used as organic contaminant models. The prepared materials were fully characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, TGA, UV–Vis absorption, and ICP analysis. The optimal nanocomposite, UiO-66-NH2@CNT(3 wt%) exhibited the highest degradation efficiency of RhB (100%) and MO (93%) in less than 30 min under optimum conditions in comparison with other prepared materials (F-CNT, UiO-66, Ui-66-NH2, and other UiO-66-NH2@CNT-X samples). Different effective parameters such as initial dye concentration, catalyst dosage, and solution pH have been also studied. The possible mechanism for photodegradation of dyes over UiO-66-NH2@CNT(3 wt%) showed that the increase in the photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the range of improved visible-light absorption (lower band gap), and the great specific surface area based on composite and water stability as well as the formation of an effective hetero-junction. Trapping studies also revealed that hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and photo-generated holes (h+) had the most influence on the photocatalytic degradation of both dyes. The kinetic study for the dye degradation process was fitted with a first-order kinetic model. Also, after six-reuse cycles, the optimum composite still showed high photodegradation ability (>90%).

Zirconium-based metal-organic framework as an efficiently heterogeneous photocatalyst for oxidation of benzyl halides to aldehydes

UiO-66-NH 2 is able to catalyze the oxidation of benzyl halides to aldehydes under mild and environment friendly conditions. • Metal organic frameworks was first used for the catalytic oxidation of benzyl bromide to benzaldehyde. • UiO-66-NH2 was applied as an reusable photocatalyst for conversion of benzyl halides to aldehydes with high selectivity and conversion. • This study provides general, environmental and high selective preparation of benzaldehydes. • This study broadens the application scope of UiO-66-NH 2 catalysts. The development of efficient heterogeneous catalysts for fine chemical synthesis is critical for practical applications. Herein, for the first time, the zirconium-based metal-organic framework (UiO-66-NH 2 ) is applied as an efficiently heterogeneous photocatalyst for conversion of benzyl halides to corresponding aldehydes with high selectivity (about 80 %) and conversion (up to 99 %) in the presence of oxygen and DMF as solvent. Through a series of experiments and analysis, the reaction mechanism is proposed to involve nucleophilic attack of the N -oxide. This study provides a general, environmental and high selective method to prepare benzaldehydes and broadens the application fields of UiO-66-NH 2 .

Sunlight powered degradation of pentoxifylline Cs0.5Li0.5FeO2 as a green reusable photocatalyst: Mechanism, kinetics and toxicity studies

The degradation of Pentoxifylline (PXF) was achieved successfully by green energy in a built-in solar photocatalytic system using hybrid LiCs ferrites (Li0.5Cs0.5FeO2) as magnetically recoverable photocatalysts. Kinetics showed a first-order reaction rate with maximum PXF removal of 94.91% at mildly acidic pH; additionally, the ferromagnetic properties of catalyst allowed recovery and reuse multiple times, reducing costs and time in degradation processes. The degradation products were identified by HPLC-MS and allowed us to propose a thermodynamically feasible mechanism that was validated through DFT calculations. Additionally, toxicity studies have been performed in bacteria and yeast where high loadings of Cs showed to be harmful to Staphylococcus aureus (MIC≥ 4.0 mg/mL); Salmonella typhi (MIC≥ 8.0 mg/mL) and Candida albicans (MIC≥ 10.0 mg/mL). The presented setup shows effectiveness and robustness in a degradation process using alternative energy sources for the elimination of non-biodegradable pollutants.

Anthracene‐based g‐C 3 N 4 photocatalyst for regeneration of NAD (P)H and sulfide oxidation based on Z‐scheme nature

Direct conversion of sunlight into value-added chemicals through artificial photosynthesis has been recognized as one of the most promising ways to address the global energy needs and to utilize the sustainable energy source. Even though the various semiconducting materials have been used for the solar-driven production of chemicals, many experimental efforts have been still focusing on developing clean and reusable photocatalysts. In this study, we report the new metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) composite including anthracene moieties as a primary photosensitizer. The morphological and electronic structure of anthracene-based g-C3N4 (An-g-C3N4) composite were characterized by optical spectroscopies, electrochemical measurements, and theoretical calculations based on density-functional theory. The An-g-C3N4 composite exhibited outstanding photocatalytic efficiency for the regenerations of NAD(P)H cofactors owing to the prominent charge-transferred character and the superb light absorption. This study demonstrates that the catalytic reaction employing the combination of An-g-C3N4 photocatalyst and Z-scheme nature would be a suitable option for artificial photosynthesis.

Synthesis of novel heterostructured FeS2/Ag2MoO4 nanocomposite: Characterization, efficient antibacterial and enhanced visible light driven photocatalytic activity

The novel, highly efficient and reusable photocatalyst was prepared successfully by chemical co-precipitation method. FeS2/Ag2MoO4 was characterized to investigate the structural and morphological characteristics, crystalline nature, optical performance, and distributions of the ingredients by using TEM, BET analyzer, FT-IR, UV-vis DRS, EDAX, PL, XPS and X-ray diffraction. Diffraction peaks related to both FeS2 and Ag2MoO4 were observed in the XRD pattern of nanocomposite (NCs). The optical study proves the improvement in visible light harvesting of the photocatalysts and the band gap of FeS2 changed from 0.95 eV to 2.20 eV in the nanocomposite, signifying the good mobility of charge carriers. The k value (degradation constant) for the MB photocatalysis was 0.0043 min−1 by FeS2/Ag2MoO4 which was 1.3 times higher than Ag2MoO4 (0.0031 min−1) and FeS2 (0.0031 min-1). The photodegradation mechanism was elucidated with the help of a series of radical scavengers and the active species found predominantly was hydroxyl radicals. Moreover, the NCs exhibited similar photocatalytic effect and the particle did not show any kind of photo-corrosion even after 6th cycle. The NCs exhibits good anti-microbial property against gram -ve bacteria (E. coli) and gram +ve bacteria (B. subtilis). Therefore, FeS2/Ag2MoO4 would be an economical, efficient and greener environment-friendly photocatalyst and antimicrobial agent.

Visible light facilitated degradation of alternate dye solutions by highly reusable Mn-ZnO nano-photocatalyst

Keeping the industrial viability in view, manganese incorporated zinc oxide nanocomposites (Mn-ZnO NCs) was synthesized as a reusable photocatalyst. The photocatalytic efficiency of Mn-ZnO NCs was compared with ZnO nanoparticles. Morphology and size of the samples were modulated using sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as the cappant. The crystallite size and crystalline parameters were estimated through X-ray diffraction spectra, while the adsorption of SDS on the samples was assessed through Fourier transform infrared spectra. Since the efficiency of any photocatalyst fundamentally depends upon its photo-physical and surface properties, UV-Visible, Photoluminescence, and Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques were used to access the optical properties while Field emission scanning electron microscopy was employed to deduce the morphology of the samples. Energy dispersive X-ray spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectra confirmed the elemental composition of the samples. The photocatalytic degradation of dye solutions was monitored initially through UV-Vis spectra. In order to confirm that the final products of photocatalytic degradation were non-toxic, Mass spectrometry was employed to estimate the types of intermediates and final products formed during and after the course of photocatalytic reaction. The results of visible light assisted photocatalytic degradation studies indicated that Mn-ZnO NCs were highly reusable for degrading alternate solutions of dyes (rhodamine B and methylene blue) as well as their mixture within a span of only 20 min. The difference in the morphology of Mn-ZnO NCs before and after performing the photocatalytic activity was also assessed.

ZnO semiconductors obtained by slip casting: Application and reuse in photocatalysis

AbstractThis work described the acquisition of immobilized ZnO semiconductors using the slip casting technique, for application as reusable photocatalysts in the degradation of Rhodamine B. The influence of the heat treatment temperature (800°C, 900°C, and 1000°C) on the physical, thermal, microstructural, and photocatalytic properties was investigated. All samples presented the wurtzite crystal structure, and the surface was completely absent of organic matter residues. The samples presented band gap values around 3.2 eV. The ones heat treated at 800°C showed lower density (3.40 g/cm3, corresponding to 60% of the ZnO theoretical density), smaller average grain size, in addition to higher apparent porosity (around 40%). These characteristics provide better photocatalytic activity to the sample heat treated at 800°C, since it promoted 92.2% dye degradation, while samples heat treated at 900°C and 1000°C promoted 81.8% and 54.2% dye degradation, respectively. The integrity of all samples was maintained after the photocatalytic tests. Thus, the reuse capability of the sample with the best photocatalytic performance, that is, the sample heat treated at 800°C, was evaluated in six cycles of photocatalysis. The sample proved to be reusable, promoting degradation of practically 100% of the dye after the third cycle of reuse.

Nanosized CdS as a Reusable Photocatalyst: The Study of Different Reaction Pathways between Tertiary Amines and Aryl Sulfonyl Chlorides through Visible-Light-Induced N-Dealkylation and C-H Activation Processes.

It has been found that the final products of the reaction of sulfonyl chlorides and tertiary amines in the presence of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles under visible light irradiation are highly dependent on the applied reaction conditions. Interestingly, with the change of a reaction condition, different pathways were conducted (visible-light-induced N-dealkylation or sp3 and sp2 C-H activation) that lead to different products such as secondary amines and various sulfonyl compounds. Remarkably, all of these reactions were performed under visible light irradiation and an air atmosphere without any additive or oxidant in benign solvents or under solvent-free conditions. During this study, the CdS nanoparticles as affordable, heterogeneous, and recyclable photocatalysts were designed, successfully synthesized, and fully characterized and applied for these protocols. During these studies, intermediates resulting from the oxidation of tertiary amines are trapped during the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. The reaction was carried out efficiently with a variety of substrates to give the corresponding products at relatively short times in good to excellent yields in parallel with the use of the visible light irradiation as a renewable energy source. Most of these processes are novel or are superior in terms of cost-effectiveness, safety, and simplicity to published reports.

Porphyrin-based donor-acceptor COFs as efficient and reusable photocatalysts for PET-RAFT polymerization under broad spectrum excitation.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline and porous organic materials attractive for photocatalysis applications due to their structural versatility and tunable optical and electronic properties. The use of photocatalysts (PCs) for polymerizations enables the preparation of well-defined polymeric materials under mild reaction conditions. Herein, we report two porphyrin-based donor–acceptor COFs that are effective heterogeneous PCs for photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT). Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we designed porphyrin COFs with strong donor–acceptor characteristics and delocalized conduction bands. The COFs were effective PCs for PET-RAFT, successfully polymerizing a variety of monomers in both organic and aqueous media using visible light (λmax from 460 to 635 nm) to produce polymers with tunable molecular weights (MWs), low molecular weight dispersity, and good chain-end fidelity. The heterogeneous COF PCs could also be reused for PET-RAFT polymerization at least 5 times without losing photocatalytic performance. This work demonstrates porphyrin-based COFs that are effective catalysts for photo-RDRP and establishes design principles for the development of highly active COF PCs for a variety of applications.

Nanoflower-like composites of ZnO/SiO2 synthesized using bamboo leaves ash as reusable photocatalyst

In this study, the synthesis of ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites using bamboo leaf ash (BLA) and tested their photocatalytic activity for rhodamine B decolorization have been conducted. The nanocomposites were prepared by the sol–gel reaction of zinc acetate dihydrate, which was used as a zinc oxide precursor, with silica gel obtained from the caustic extraction of BLA. The effect of the Zn content (5, 10, and 20 wt%) on the physicochemical characteristics and photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was investigated. The results of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, gas sorption, and transmission electron microscopy characterization confirmed the mesoporous structure of the composites containing nanoflower-like ZnO (wurtzite) nanoparticles of 10–30 nm in size dispersed on the silica support. Further, the nanocomposites were confirmed to be composed of ZnO/SiO2 by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Meanwhile, diffuse-reflectance UV–visible spectrophotometry analysis of the nanocomposites revealed band gap energies of 3.38–3.39 eV. Of the tested nanocomposites, that containing 10 wt% Zn exhibited the highest decolorization efficiency (99%) and fastest decolorization rate. In addition, the degradation efficiencies were not reduced significantly after five repeated runs, demonstrating the reusability of the nanocomposite catalysts. Therefore, the ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposite obtained from BLA is a promising reusable photocatalyst for the degradation of dye-polluted water.