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Synergy of functionalized activated carbon and ZnO nanoparticles for enhancing photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and carbaryl
Author(s)
Rungsawang, Tipawan
Krobthong, Sucheewan
Paengpan, Krisanachai
Kaewtrakulchai, Napat
Manatura, Kanit
Boonruang, Chatdanai
Wongrerkdee, Sutthipoj
Date Issued
October 1, 2024
Type
Article
Abstract
This study proposes preparing ZnO and ZnO/activated carbon (AC) for photocatalytic applications. ZnO and AC were synthesized using precipitation and carbonization processes, respectively. Particle sizes of ZnO and ZnO/AC were estimated at 121–135 nm. The crystalline structure analysis confirmed the presence of hexagonal wurtzite structures in ZnO. Microcrystalline graphite and amorphous carbon structures were observed in AC. The combination of these characteristics was observed in ZnO/AC. ZnO/AC exhibited an increase in surface area from 25.36 to 29.86 m2/g and a decrease in pore diameter from 5.66 to 4.31 nm. The chemical states of ZnO and AC remained unchanged. Therefore, the nanocompound structure of ZnO/AC can be inferred. The ZnO/AC nanocompounds were then employed to degrade methylene blue (MB) dye and carbaryl (CBR) insecticide, demonstrating excellent photocatalytic performance compared to pure ZnO. The apparent degradation rate constant reached an average value of 3.49 × 10−3 and 16.25 × 10−3 min−1 for MB and CBR, respectively. AC functions as carrier collectors in the ZnO/AC nanocompound structures due to the suitable energy band level for facilitating electron and hole transfers. This results in recombination suppression and prolonged lifetime, thus enhancing photocatalytic activity. The finding suggests the potential use of ZnO/AC nanocompounds to degrade agricultural chemicals in contaminated natural water under sunlight.
Citation
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 223, 2024