Photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye using PEG@ZnS:Au and PVP@ZnS:Au nanoparticles

The textile industry significant contribution to water pollution necessitates the development of innovative solutions for efficient wastewater treatment. This study reports the successful synthesis of PEG@ZnS:Au and PVP@ZnS:Au nanoparticles via co-precipitation method, characterized by a suite of analytical techniques including photoluminescence (PL), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated, revealing that PEG@ZnS:Au and PVP@ZnS:Au nanoparticles degraded 94.25 % and 91.45 % of rhodamine B dye, respectively, within a 30-minute timeframe, showcasing their exceptional catalytic performance. Kinetic studies revealed pseudo-first-order behavior, conforming to the Langmuir isotherm model, with an endothermic adsorption process. The degradation process is mediated by forming reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generated by electron-hole pairs upon photoexcitation. This research underscores the potential of nanoscale materials for enhanced photocatalysis. It provides valuable insights into developing efficient wastewater treatment strategies, highlighting a promising approach for mitigating the environmental impact of textile industry effluents.