تحقیقات سلامت در جامعه (Oct 2024)
Synthesis of Copper Oxide-eggshell Powder Nanocomposite and Determination of its Efficiency in Removal of Acid Red 14 Dye from Aqueous Solution in the Presence of Visible Light
Abstract
Introduction and purpose: One of the major environmental pollutants found in the effluents of various industries, including textiles, is dye, which is highly toxic to both humans and the environment. This research aimed to investigate the photocatalytic removal of Acid Red 14 (AR14) dye from an aqueous solution using a copper oxide-eggshell powder nanocomposite under visible light. Methods: Initially, the copper oxide-eggshell powder nanocomposite was synthesized using the co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and pH of the point of zero charge analyses were conducted to determine its structural characteristics. Next, the effects of various parameters, such as solution pH, catalyst dosage, initial AR14 concentration, hydrogen peroxide concentration, different gases, ionic types, process comparison, and recovery experiments, were investigated. Finally, the residual concentration of AR14 was analyzed using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 515 nm. Results: The highest photocatalytic removal efficiency (99.99%) of AR14 was achieved at a pH of 3, with an initial dye concentration of 20 mg L-1, a nanocomposite dosage of 0.4 g L-1, and a contact time of 60 minutes. The efficiency of photocatalytic removal of AR14 decreased as the initial dye concentration increased. When the initial AR14 concentration increased from 20 to 100 mg L-1, the first-order rate constant declined from 0.146 to 0.0048 min⁻¹, and the electrical energy per order (EEO) increased from 3.94 to 120 kWh m-3. The efficiency of photocatalytic removal of AR14 increased with higher initial nanocomposite dosages and in the presence of different gases. Complete removal of AR14 dye was achieved at a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 25 mM and specific anion types. Additionally, the photocatalytic activity was maintained after eight consecutive cycles. Conclusion: The copper oxide-eggshell powder nanocomposite, being both effective and environmentally friendly, can be used to remove AR14 dye from aqueous solutions under visible light.
