Straightforward Synthesis of Mn3O4/ZnO/Eu2O3-Based Ternary Heterostructure Nano-Photocatalyst and Its Application for the Photodegradation of Methyl Orange and Methylene Blue Dyes

Abstract

Zinc oxide-ternary heterostructure Mn3O4/ZnO/Eu2O3 nanocomposites were successfully prepared via waste curd as fuel by a facile one-pot combustion procedure. The fabricated heterostructures were characterized utilizing XRD, UV–Visible, FT-IR, FE-SEM, HRTEM and EDX analysis. The photocatalytic degradation efficacy of the synthesized ternary nanocomposite was evaluated utilizing model organic pollutants of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) in water as examples of cationic dyes and anionic dyes, respectively, under natural solar irradiation. The effect of various experimental factors, viz. the effect of a light source, catalyst dosage, irradiation time, pH of dye solution and dye concentration on the photodegradation activity, was systematically studied. The ternary Mn3O4/ZnO/Eu2O3 photocatalyst exhibited excellent MB and MO degradation activity of 98% and 96%, respectively, at 150 min under natural sunlight irradiation. Experiments further conclude that the fabricated nanocomposite exhibits pH-dependent photocatalytic efficacy, and for best results, concentrations of dye and catalysts have to be maintained in a specific range. The prepared photocatalysts are exemplary and could be employed for wastewater handling and several ecological applications.

Carbon/Mn3O4/SrTiO3 microsphere photocatalyst for the efficient removal of high‐concentration methylene blue from water

“…As observed in the SEM images [Fig. 2(c), (d)], new micropores and mesopores were formed on the MC/Mn 3 O 4 /SrTiO 3 surface owing to the agglomeration and adhesion of SrTiO 3 nanoparticles, resulting in increased SSA and pore volume of MC/Mn 3 O 4 /SrTiO 3 (606.91 m 2 g −1 and 0.28 cm 3 g −1 , respectively) 45 . In addition, the MC/Mn 3 O 4 /SrTiO 3 composite has a large number of mesopores (2–50 nm).…”

“…2(c), (d)], new micropores and mesopores were formed on the MC/Mn 3 O 4 /SrTiO 3 surface owing to the agglomeration and adhesion of SrTiO 3 nanoparticles, resulting in increased SSA and pore volume of MC/Mn 3 O 4 /SrTiO 3 (606.91 m 2 g −1 and 0.28 cm 3 g −1 , respectively). 45 In addition, the MC/Mn 3 O 4 /SrTiO 3 composite has a large number of mesopores (2-50 nm). Catalysts with higher SSAs can attach more surface-active sites, and the micropores and mesopores make it easier to inject dyes and photons, which is beneficial for improving the photocatalytic activity of the catalysts.…”

A Novel Recyclable Magnetic Nano-Catalyst for Fenton-Photodegradation of Methyl Orange and Imidazole Derivatives Catalytic Synthesis

“…The tested H 2 O 2 loads were 5, 10, and 15 mmol L −1 . Based on a similar study [ 63 ], we noticed that the use of high amounts of H 2 O 2 leads to a “scavenger” impact of HO 2 • radicals as well as HO • radicals, which increases with increasing concentration. Therefore, the generation of radicals was partial [ 64 , 65 ].…”

Construction of type II ZnBi2O4/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts for efficient degradation of acid red B

“…When the amount of catalyst in the system is certain, the amount of active sites and active species that can be provided is also certain, and as the pollutant concentration increases, it will not be able to meet the demand for the amount of active species; secondly, the intermediates produced by the degradation of acid red B will be adsorbed on the surface of the catalyst, preventing the reaction from continuing; finally, when the concentration of the solution increases, the color of the solution will also increase, and this will have an additional effect on the ability of the catalyst to absorb light. 48…”