Photocatalytic degradation of p‐nitrophenol in wastewater by heterogeneous cobalt supported ZnO nanoparticles: Modeling and optimization using response surface methodology

Abstract

In this work, we investigated the photocatalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol using a cobalt (Co)-doped ZnO photocatalyst. The Co-doped ZnO photocatalyst was first prepared through a simple wet impregnation method and subsequently characterized using various qualitative and quantitative techniques. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for experimental design and optimization of photocatalytic process. The effects including initial concentration of 4-Nitrophenol [4-NP] in , catalyst dosage, pH and irradiation time were investigated, and RSM suggested a seconddegree polynomial model for abatement of p-nitrophenol from aqueous phase. Under optimized conditions (pH = 5; Irradiation time = 180 min; catalyst dosage = 30 mg; [4-NP] in = 30 mg/L), up to 82% degradation was achieved, signifying the efficacy of the prepared photocatalyst. Moreover, the real case study was employed by incorporating Co-doped ZnO nanocomposite for treatment of real paper wastewater and results showed a considerable photocatalytic activity of Co-ZnO nanocomposites on paper wastewater.

Molecular Imprinted BiVO4 Microswimmers for Selective Target Recognition and Removal

“…No difference was observed between the spectra of the blank and our material, which may be attributed to the hydroxylation of the surface of BiVO 4 under basic conditions, [56] leading to electrostatic repulsion between PNF − and the negatively charged surface of the microswimmers. [57] Moreover, it is well-known that BiVO 4 is unstable at such high pH values due to the dissolution of V, [58,59] which negatively affected the photocatalytic performance of BF-MIP microswimmers under basic conditions. Furthermore, Figure S5, Supporting Information, shows the reusability of the BF and BF-MIP microswimmers for PNF degradation in up to three reuse cycles.…”

Recent Developments in Photocatalytic Reduction of Nitro Compounds to Valuable Scaffolds

“…Many reports are documented wherein photocatalyzed degradation of p -nitrophenol or other nitro-group-containing effluents affecting the environment have been reduced to some less hazardous analogues. 125 Such transformations can be taken for further industrial scale developments to broaden the scope.…”

Analysis of Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol by Zinc Oxide Using Response Surface Methodology

“…[1] It has been reported by Akhtar et al that this industrial growth plays an important role in the depletion and pollution of freshwater resources and that this problem will continue to increase in the coming years. [2] Advances in science, technology, and industrialization have provided significant benefits to humanity, but the continuous discharge of toxic organic pollutants into the aquatic environment without any appropriate treatment causes pollution of water and the environmental at worrying levels. [3] Dyes, surfactants, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and other organic pollutants are various contaminants in water resources.…”

“…stated in their study that the photolytic and photocatalytic degradation processes are currently considered the most promising techniques used in wide areas of applications. [2] This method involves the conversion of harmful organic pollutants in wastewater into harmless products such as water and carbon dioxide by “decomposing” with an activated semiconductor by using UV light. [ 23 , 24 , 25 ] TiO 2 is a widely used photocatalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, but it is not economical for large‐scale water treatment operations.…”