Photo-decontamination of p-nitrophenol using reusable lanthanum doped ZnO electrospun nanofiber catalyst

P-nitrophenol is a common persistent pollutant present in industrial waste water. Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants is an efficient method of detoxification that has been well established. This study investigates the novel method of photocatalytic degradation using Lanthanum doped zinc oxide nano rods synthesized by hydrothermal technique and impregnated on PAN nanofiber (La doped ZnO NF). The functionalized La doped ZnO nanofiber was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and STA. The residual concentration and mineralization of p-nitrophenol were assessed using UV–Vis spectrophotometer and Total organic carbon analyzer. The catalytic properties remained unchanged even after multiple cyclesof degradation. Repeat cycles of remediation showed consistent efficiency rate of 92% proving its cost-effectiveness and viability. The photocatalytic performance of La doped ZnO NF was investigated on p-nitrophenol in optimized experimental conditions. The process may be an economically viable process for upscaling photocatalytic degradation processes.