Exploring the diverse applications of sol–gel synthesized CaO:MgAl2O4 nanocomposite: morphological, photocatalytic, and electrochemical perspectives

Abstract

A nanocomposite of CaO:MgAl₂O₄ was synthesized through a straightforward and cost-effective sol–gel method. The investigation of the novel CaO:MgAl₂O₄ nanocomposite encompassed an examination of its morphological and structural alterations, as well as an exploration of its photocatalytic activities and electrochemical characteristics. XRD analysis revealed a nanocomposite size of 24.15 nm. The band gap, determined through UV studies, was found to be 3.83 eV, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated flake-like morphological changes in the CaO:MgAl₂O₄ samples. TEM, HRTEM, and SAED studies of a CaO:MgAl₂O₄ nanocomposite would reveal important details about its morphology, crystallography, and nanostructure. Photocatalytic activity was quantified by studying the degradation of Acid Red-88 (AR-88) dye in a deionized solution, achieving a 70% dye degradation under UV irradiation in 120 min. Plant growth examinations were carried out using dye degraded water to test its suitability for agriculture. The electrochemical energy storage and sensing applications of the prepared nanocomposite were examined using CaO:MgAl₂O₄ modified carbon paste electrode through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In conclusion, the synthesized CaO:MgAl₂O₄ nanocomposite demonstrated promising morphological and structural characteristics, efficient photocatalytic activity, and potential applications in electrochemical energy storage, highlighting its versatility for various technological and environmental applications.

Graphical abstract