Chitosan Membrane Embedded With ZnO/CuO Nanocomposites for the Photodegradation of Fast Green Dye Under Artificial and Solar Irradiation

Abstract

Fast Green (FCF) dye is commonly used in both cytology and histology applications. Previous studies have found that it can cause mutagenic and tumorigenic effects in experimental human and animal populations. It can also be a source of skin, eye, respiratory, and digestive irritation. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of thin film membranes to degrade FCF. A thin film membrane of chitosan (CS) was fabricated and subsequently filled with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) or ZnO/CuO-heterostructured nanocomposites. The CS membrane was used as a matrix, and the nanomaterials were used as photocatalysts. The prepared membranes were characterised by four analytical techniques: atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. The photocatalytic activity of the fabricated membranes was evaluated by performing experiments in which aqueous solutions of FCF dye that contained the fabricated membrane were irradiated with solar light or UV light. The photodegradation percentage was spectrophotometrically determined by monitoring the maximum wavelengths (λmax) of FCF at 623 nm for different irradiation times. The decolourisation percentages of the dye under solar light were 57.90% and 60.23% using the CS-ZnO and CS-ZnO/CuO membranes, respectively. When UV light irradiation was employed as the source of irradiation, the photodegradation percentages of FCF were 71.45% and 91.21% using the CS-ZnO and CS-ZnO/CuO membranes, respectively. These results indicated that the best photocatalytic system for the degradation of FCF dye was CS-ZnO/CuO membrane in combination with UV light irradiation. The study also found that it was easy to separate the prepared membranes after the reaction without the need for a centrifuge or magnet. The results demonstrate the potential for CS-ZnO and CS-ZnO/CuO membranes for use as effective sorbents during the process of photodegradation of harmful dyes within waste water recycling practices.

Review of the Advancements on Polymer/Metal Oxide Hybrid Nanocomposite‐Based Adsorption Assisted Photocatalytic Materials for Dye Removal

“…This is because the smaller work function of CuO or high electron affinity of ZnO in chitosan/CuO/ZnO composites promotes the transfer of photoexcited electrons from a more cathodic conduction band of CuO to a more anodic conduction band of ZnO. [93] Also, chitosan in chitosan/CuO/ZnO composite film prevents nanoparticles' aggregation and enhances the catalyst's surface adsorption and recyclability. The photocatalytic acid black-1 azo dye by gelatin assisted TiO 2 /BiOI (g-TiO 2 /BiOI) hybrid composite higher than g-TiO 2 due to electron-hole suppression from recombination in the heterostructure of the composite.…”

“…[109] In addition, it is difficult to achieve efficient light absorption in the visible region, effective photocatalytic activity, stable holeelectron separation, good stability, facile recovery, and recycling from a pristine metal oxide nanoparticle. [93] In contrast, polymer's optical, structural, and electrical properties are relatively managed and can develop at the molecular level. Furthermore, polymers have a high surface area, multiple active sites, good mechanical strength, and stability.…”

Colorimetric Detection of Ammonia Using Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Durian Fruit Shell

“…e most prevalent method for preparing stable Ag NPs is chemical reduction where colloidal dispersion occur in organic solvents or water [42]. Colloidal Ag with NPs particles of different diameters are yielded from the reduction of the Ag ions in aqueous solution [43].…”

Photocatalytic Membranes in Photocatalytic Membrane Reactors

“…Other metal oxide semiconductors that are used in PMRs are ZnO [28,29], WO 3 [30], and CuO/ZnO [31]. These photocatalysts are characterized by a different band gap in comparison with TiO 2 [14].…”