Sonochemical synthesis of CoO-ZnO nanocomposite and optimizing the degradation of toxic anionic dye using RSM-BBD

A sonochemical co-precipitation method was employed to synthesize the CoO-ZnO nanocomposite for the degradation of methyl red (MR) anionic dye. The nanocomposite was characterized using UV–Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA and Zeta potential. The SEM images showed the agglomeration of spherical grains due to the difference in the magnetic nature of the sample. The zeta potential values exhibited that the colloidal suspension was present all over the surface. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize the degradation of MR dye, and achieved 89 % removal efficiency with a 30 mg dose of the catalyst over 120 minutes. The degradation mechanism relies on the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized CoO-ZnO nanocomposite, which generates reactive oxygen species to break down MR dye. The high degradation efficiency, achieved via RSM optimization, underscores the nanocomposite’s potential for environmental remediation. This makes it a promising solution for removing MR dye and other anionic dyes from polluted water.