Adsorption and Photocatalytic Study of Integrated Photocatalyst Adsorbent (IPCA) using LaFeO₃-GO Nanocomposites for Removal of Synthetic Dyes

Abstract

In this research, Lanthanum Orthoferrite-Graphene Oxide (LaFeO3-GO) IPCA nanocomposites were synthesised via sol-gel glucose method. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Autopore Porosimeter and UV-Vis Spectrophotometer measurement were used for the characterisation of the nanocomposites. The effect of certain ratios of GO deposited on LaFeO3 were investigated for removal of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes through adsorption-photocatalytic activity. Among all samples, excellent removal of methylene blue could be observed in 5 % GO in LaFeO3-GO IPCA nanocomposites that demonstrated 100 % degradation efficiency within 60 min under visible light irradiation. For adsorption under dark condition, 2 % GO in LaFeO3-GO nanocomposites achieved 98 % removal of methyl orange within 2 h. It could be concluded that synergetic effect between photocatalysis and adsorption can give significant impact for removal of synthetic dyes from aqueous solution.