Visible light degradation of textile effluent using novel catalyst ZnO/γ-Mn2O3

The novel znO/gamma-Mn2O3 (various weight percentages) nanocomposite catalysts were prepared by thermal decomposition method and their size, shape, and surface area were characterized by various techniques. Further, the prepared samples were used to degrade methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) in aqueous medium under visible light irradiation. Finally, the best catalyst was employed to degrade phenol and a textile effluent. The recycling ability and their efficiency of catalyst are discussed in detail. (C) 2013 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.