Fabrication of Naturally Derived Chitosan and Ilmenite Sand-Based TiO2/Fe2O3/Fe-N-Doped Graphitic Carbon Composite for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue under Sunlight

Abstract

Fabrication of chitosan and ilmenite sand-based novel photocatalysts through the catalytic graphitization of chitosan is reported. Nanocomposites consisted of TiO2, Fe2O3 and Fe nanoparticles dispersed on a nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon framework. The surface area, pore volume and macropore structure of the carbon matrix is disturbed by the heterogeneously distributed nanoparticles. The extent of graphitization expanded with increasing metal loading as indicated by variation in the ID/IG ratio. The nanomaterial’s surface consists of Fe3+ and Ti4+, and graphitic, pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen were found in the carbon matrix. The band gap values of the composites varied in the 2.06–2.26 eV range. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanomaterials was determined, and the highest rate constant for the photodegradation of methylene blue under sunlight was 4.4 × 10−3 min−1, which resulted with 10 mg/L MB and 25 mg of the best-performing catalyst. The rate constant rose with increasing concentrations of persulfate added to the medium. The rate constant greatly diminished with the addition of isopropyl alcohol as it scavenged hydroxyl radicals. The presence of co-pollutants including Pb2+, rhodamine B, PO43− and Cl− curtailed the rate of reaction. The activity reduced with an increasing number of uses of the catalyst.

The In Situ Preparation of Ni–Zn Ferrite Intercalated Expanded Graphite via Thermal Treatment for Improved Radar Attenuation Property

“…The FTIR spectra of NG and NZFP/GICs in the range of 4000–500 cm −1 are shown in Figure 3 b. The stretching vibration and the bending vibration of hydroxyl groups in adsorbed water are represented by 3439.5 cm −1 and 1628.7 cm −1 , respectively [ 25 ]. The absorption peak at 1117 cm −1 indicates the stretching vibration of C-O-C, implying defects in the six-membered ring of graphite.…”

Efficient Catalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange by Various ZnO-Doped Lignin-Based Carbons

“…The fabricated composites effectively adsorb methylene blue via π-π interactions. They can effectively photodegrade methylene blue under sunlight [12,13]. Furthermore, the prospect of lignin-based catalysts for photocatalytic degradation of industrial dyes and their catalytic mechanism were also expounded in previous studies [7,14].…”

Synergism of Artificial Intelligence and Techno-Economic for Sustainable Treatment of Methylene Blue Dye-Containing Wastewater by Photocatalysis

“…Moreover, removing MB from wastewater by its adsorption into a certain material creates secondary pollution via disposal of the exhausted adsorbent [7]. Alternatively, various researchers have employed advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to eliminate MB from aqueous solutions via decomposition and mineralization [3,8,9].…”

“…While several studies have focused on removing dyes from wastewater by photocatalytic degradation [6,8,21], there is still a research gap in optimizing the associated operational factors to maintain a techno-economically feasible process. Much effort should be exerted on employing artificial intelligence techniques to optimize the photocatalytic degradation process, aiming at minimizing the unit treatment costs.…”