Visible light sensitive activated carbon-metal oxide (TiO2, WO3, NiO, and ZnO) nano-catalysts for the degradation of methylene blue and Rhodamine B

Abstract

Hydrothermal synthesis was used to produce four metal oxide–activated carbon composites with metal oxide weights of 20 % (TiO₂, WO₃, NiO, and ZnO). BET, XRD, SEM, TEM, UV, PL, and FTIR were all used to learn more about the nano-catalysts. Small particle size, prolonged visible absorption in the spectral region, a narrower bandgap, and a higher surface area were all attained in an effort to create highly active visible light photocatalysts. By incorporating AC into MO nanoparticles, the bandgap can be tuned from 2.63 eV to 2.21 eV, effectively increasing the MOs' visible light activity. In comparison to ZnO-AC, WO3-AC, and NiO-AC, synthesized TiO₂-AC nanoparticles degrade the pollutant by approximately 100 % within 60 min. Because of the narrow bandgap and porosity of carbon, AC accelerates the rate of degradation of MB. Additionally, a first order kinetic model, stability, and different scavengers' studies were systematically conducted to investigate the role of AC in different MOs. The photocatalyst developed in this research shows promise for large-scale wastewater treatment.