Author Information
Optimizing photo-mineralization of aqueous methyl orange by nano-ZnO catalyst under simulated natural conditions
Journal Title, Volume, Page:
Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering
Year of Publication:
2015
Preferred Abstract (Original):
Nano-scale ZnO powder was prepared in the lab by standard methods, and then characterized
using electronic absorption spectra, photolumenscence emission (PL) spectra, XRD, and
SEM. The powder involved a wurtzite structure with ~19 nm particles living in agglomerates.
Photo-degradation progressed faster under neutral or slightly acidic conditions which
resemble natural waters. Increasing catalyst concentration increased photodegradation rate to
a certain limit. Values of catalyst turn over number and degradation percentage increased
under higher light intensity, whereas the quantum yield values decreased. The photocatalytic
efficiency of nano-ZnO powders in methyl orange photodegradation in water with solar light
has been affected by changing the working conditions. More importantly, the process may be
used under natural water conditions with pH normally less than 7, with no need to use high
concentrations of catalyst or contaminant. The results also highlight the negative impact of
possible high concentrations of CO
on water purification processes. Effects of other added
gaseous flows to the reaction mixture are also discussed.
ZnO nano-particles are useful catalyst for complete mineralization of organic contaminants in
water. Photo-degradation of organic contaminants with ZnO nano-particles, methyl orange
being an example, should be considered for future large scale water purification processes
under natural conditions.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| s40201-015-0204-0-Published Article.pdf | 5.29 MB |
Facebook
Google
LinkedIn
TwitterThe responsibility of all materials published at this website belongs to its authors.
