PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF SAFRANIN O DYE UNDER VISIBLE LIGHT USING NiO-MgO CATALYSTS

Abstract

In this study, NiO-MgO catalysts were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of Safranin O (SO) dye as a textile pollutant model from water. NiO-MgO was prepared by the self-combustion method. Characterization was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activity of the prepared NiO-MgO catalyst was evaluated by experiments involving irradiating the Safranin O (SO) dye aqueous solution containing the prepared material with visible light. The percent photodegradation was determined spectrophotometrically by monitoring the maximum wavelength (λmax) of Safranin O (SO) at 518 nm at different irradiation times. The dye decolorization rate of the NiO-MgO material under visible light was 98.42%. The effective reusability and stability of the prepared catalysts were also evaluated. This efficiency remained almost unchanged after three cycles of use, demonstrating the reusability and applicability of the material’s catalytic activity in the removal of Safranin O from water.