Photocatalytic degradation of atrazine in aqueous solution using La-doped ZnO/PAN nanofibers

Abstract

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based modi ed zinc oxide (ZnO) nano bers were synthesized by using electrospinning and hydrothermal techniques. The synthesized nano bers were characterized by eld emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and evaluated for their ability to promote the photocatalytic degradation of the toxic herbicide atrazine. The degradation conditions were optimized by varying catalyst type, catalyst quantity, pH, light source, and toxic concentration. The degradation products were con rmed by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. The extent of mineralization was calculated using total organic carbon and real-time analyses. The diameter of the La-doped ZnO loaded PAN nano bers was larger than that of the ZnO-seeded PAN nano bers. The additional peak at a binding energy of 533 eV in the bonding states of La-doped ZnO/PAN indicated the presence of oxygen vacancies in the ZnO matrix, which could enhance the catalytic activity of the material. Furthermore, the degradation of atrazine depended on all the above reaction parameters. The mass spectrum of the degradation product was recorded and exhibited a molecular ion peak at m/z 187 according to GC-MS. Finally, Ladoped ZnO PAN nano bers proved to be an excellent catalyst for decontaminating atrazine within 1 h and allowed to achieve a 98% degradation e ciency.

Enhanced Atrazine Degradation Using Laccase Immobilized on Arginine-Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanosheets

“…The initial ATR concentration was selected based on previously reported studies. [29][30][31][32] For sampling, 500 μL samples were extracted and filtered through 0.22 μm filters.…”

Photocatalytic Degradation and Adsorptive Removal of Emerging Organic Pesticides Using Metal Oxide and Their Composites: Recent Trends and Future Perspectives

“…Surface morphology, agglomeration, and size affect the behavior of the photocatalyst during the process. Moreover, the higher the concentration of the photocatalyst, the more efficient the degradation [299]. This is a result of having more active sites on the surface of the photocatalyst, thus generating more electron/hole pairs and, consequently, more hydroxyl radicals.…”