Synthesis, characterization and efficient photocatalytic properties of spinel materials for dye degradation

Abstract

In this research, Co0.5Zn0.5Al2O4 spinel oxides photocatalysts were elaborated from layered double hydroxides Co-Zn-Al/CO3 precursor by calcination at 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, and 1000 °C. XRD, FTIR, TGA/DTA, and SEM/EDX analysis were used for characterized of prepared photocatalysts. The photocatalytic efficiency of the prepared materials was tested by photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) azo dye as a model of textile contaminants under UV illumination. The effect of various operational factors such as irradiation time, initial pH, catalyst dose, methyl orange concentration and reuse were investigated. The enhancement of the photodegradation was strongly dependent on the calcination temperature. A synergic effect between the adsorption and photodegradation was observed. After 50 min of irradiation, the catalyst calcined at 400 °C showed the highest efficiency (98.2%). After regeneration (up to five cycles), the photocatalyst showed high stability.

Keywords

• Spinel
• Mixed metal oxides
• Methyl orange degradation
• Photocatalytic properties
• UV illumination