Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Congo Red Dye Using Facilely Synthesized and Characterized MgAl₂O₄ Nanoparticles

Abstract

The discharge of congo red dye into water sources by factories has been associated with a range of health concerns, such as cancer, redness, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. As a result, this research focused on the cost-effective and straightforward production of MgAl 2 O 4 nanoparticles by using the Pechini sol−gel process. Subsequently, these nanoparticles were employed for the successful photocatalytic decomposition of congo red dye. Moreover, extensive characterization of the fabricated MgAl 2 O 4 nanoparticles was conducted through diverse methodologies, which included Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet−visible spectrophotometry, highresolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the XRD analysis disclosed that the average crystal size of the produced MgAl 2 O 4 nanoparticles is 10.36 nm, and their optical energy gap was determined to be 3.71 eV. The FE-SEM examination unveiled a combination of spherical and disorganized structures with a 0.14 μm average grain size. HR-TEM analysis, in turn, revealed that the fabricated MgAl 2 O 4 nanoparticles were composed of minuscule spherical particles with an average diameter of 8.75 nm. The maximum degradation of 50 mL of congo red dye at a concentration of 25 mg/L reached 99.27% within 80 min at a pH of 3. Additionally, the findings confirmed the consistent decomposition activity toward congo red dye even after four cycles, thereby validating the effectiveness and reusability of the MgAl 2 O 4 nanoparticles that were developed in this study.

Exploring secondary optical transitions: a study utilizing the DITM method, and enhanced photocatalytic properties in Ni-doped CuSe

“…Subsequently, when exposed to ultraviolet light, the HOO* transform into OH*. Ultimately, these OH* lead to the degradation of CR dye, converting it into water or carbon dioxide 67 , 68 . Upon coupling with the electrons, the oxygen molecules in the solution creates superoxide anion radicals (O 2 * − ).…”