Photodegradation of cationic and anionic dyes by ZnO and S/ZnO biosynthesized nano‐photocatalysts

Abstract

Photocatalysis is considered a promising and efficient oxidation technique for wastewater treatment. Developing more environmentally biocompatible, simple, effective, and inexpensive photocatalysts enables photocatalysis technology to be at the forefront of wastewater treatments. As an alternative to harmful chemicals, this work focused on the biosynthesis of a variety of ZnO and doped ZnO based on the extract of the brown alga Cystoseira crinite. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform‐infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure, phase, morphology, and UV–vis properties of the biosynthesized samples. XRD showed the crystalline structure of ZnO and S‐doped ZnO. SEM analysis revealed agglomerated spherical particles of the prepared samples. EDX analysis confirmed the formation of S‐doped ZnO. FTIR spectra exhibited that phenolic compounds and protein molecules are present in the Cystoseira crinite extract. The photocatalytic efficiency of biosynthesized materials was examined by monitoring the degradation of crystal violet (CV) and methyl orange (MO) dyes, which serve as cationic and anionic dye models, respectively. The various factors that influence the efficacy of the photodegradation process were investigated. In total, 5% S‐doped ZnO decomposed 97.40% and 89.18% of CV and MO dyes, respectively. The dye degradation was most efficient in samples calcined at 500 °C. The photodegradation of CV dye was enhanced at high pH, while the highest photocatalytic activity of MO dye was observed at low pH values. The kinetic study confirmed that the photodegradation follows the first‐order reaction.