Peumus boldus Used in the Synthesis of ZnO Semiconductor Nanoparticles and Their Evaluation in Organic Contaminants

Abstract

The high demand for nanomaterials in the field of industry and science has forced researchers to develop new synthesis methods that are more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly. At present, the application of green synthesis has taken a great advantage over conventional synthesis methods because it helps with the control of the characteristics and properties of the resulting nanomaterials. In this research, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by biosynthesis using dried boldo (Peumus boldus) leaves. The resulting biosynthesized NPs had a high purity, quasi-spherical shape with average sizes ranging from 15 to 30 nm and a band gap of ~2.8–3.1 eV. These NPs were used in the photocatalytic activity of three organic dyes. The results showed degradation of 100% methylene blue (MB) in 180 min, 92% methyl orange (MO) in 180 min, and 100% Rhodamine B (RhB) in 30 min of exposure. These results show that the Peumus boldus leaf extract is effective in the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs with good photocatalytic properties.

Removal of Hazardous Organic Dyes from Liquid Wastes Using Advanced Nanomaterials

“…[188] As an example of what it is mentioned above, using the same mixture (Methylene Blue, Rhodamine B and Methyl Orange) of dyes, results indicated that in [197] complete degradation of the dyes occurred after 20 min, against efficiencies of 99% (Methylene Blue), 80% (Rhodamine B) or 67% (Methyl Orange) in 3 hours declared in [198]. These last results hardly compared with data from [186], in which is demonstrated that Rhodamine B is completely eliminated after 30 min. Another mixture of dyes (Methylene Blue and Methyl Orange) show the same disparity in results, since 90 min are needed to remove 95% and 75% of the respective cationic and anionic dye [181], and 45 min (99% Methylene Blue) or 35 min ( 97% Methyl Orange) as concluded in [194].…”

“…ZnSQD(h VB + ) + dye → degradation by − products (1) In this investigation [186], ZnO nanoparticles (average size 15-30 nm) were synthesized by biosynthesis using dried Peumus boldus leaves. The photocatalytic activity of these nanomaterials indicated that it is possible the quantitative degradation of Methylene Blue in three hours, 92% in the case of Methyl Orange also in the same time, and 100% degradation of Rhodamine B in 30 minutes.…”