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N-doped ZnO/graphene oxide: a photostable photocatalyst for improved mineralization and photodegradation of organic dye under visible light

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Abstract

This research work focused on the synthesis of visible light-active ZnO photocatalyst through modification with nitrogen and graphene oxide, followed by its application towards the degradation of brilliant smart green (BG) dye. The characterization of the synthesized photocatalysts was done using optical approaches such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis absorption, and diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS). N-ZnO-GO (NZGO-1, NZGO-2, and NZGO-3) composites show a higher photocatalytic activity in degrading BG dye in water compared to ZnO and N-ZnO nanoparticles. The composite NZGO-1 achieved 100% degradation and 80% mineralization of BG within 90 min of irradiation. The results also showed the degradation of BG using NZGO-1 occurs faster in basic medium (pH 9) compared to acidic medium. Photostability test of NZGO-1 analyzed after three cycles of exposure gave 94% degradation of BG which implies that the composite is also highly stable and can be recovered and reused. This study further highlighted that the modifications made on ZnO were positive by increasing its light absorption capability into the visible region and thus drastically improved its photocatalytic activities under visible light.

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Acknowledgements

The authors express their gratitude to the Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg and National Research Foundation (NRF) for their support financially while executing this research.

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Author notes

  1. Sudheesh K. Shukla

    Present address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, 8410501, Beer Sheva, Israel

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Chemistry, Doornfontein Campus 2028, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    C. N. Peter, William W. Anku, Sudheesh K. Shukla & Penny P. Govender

  2. Department of Agriculture Science, AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, 485001, India

    Rama Sharma

  3. Polymer Nanocomposite Laboratory, Center for Crystal Growth, VIT University, Vellore, TN, 632014, India

    Girish M. Joshi

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  1. C. N. Peter
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Additional information

C. N. Peter and William W. Anku have the same contribution to the preparation of this manuscript.

Highlights

• In this work, the characterization of the synthesized photocatalyst affirms a reduction in band gap and suppression of electron-hole recombination rate of ZnO after modifications with nitrogen and graphene oxide.

• Approximately 99% degradation of brilliant green dye in water under simulated solar light together with 80% mineralization was achieved within 90 min of irradiation.

• This work investigated the effect of some important parameters in the disposal of wastewater such as pH and the risk of secondary pollutants on using the synthesized photocatalyst in regard to wastewater remediation.

• This work is expected to draw attention of researchers interested in environmental chemistry and biology, environments’ pollution control fate of pollutants in the environment, organic compounds in the environment, atmospheric pollutants, etc.

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Peter, C.N., Anku, W.W., Sharma, R. et al. N-doped ZnO/graphene oxide: a photostable photocatalyst for improved mineralization and photodegradation of organic dye under visible light. Ionics 25, 327–339 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-018-2571-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-018-2571-x

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