Green synthesis of zirconium phosphate by combustion method: photocatalytic application and microwave-assisted catalytic conversion of aldehyde to nitriles

Water pollution has increased swiftly, especially the dyes from industries that have disturbed aquatic eco-system. Photocatalytic degradation (PCD) is one of the attractive methods to eliminate dyes from industrial effluents. Zirconium phosphate (ZP) nanoparticles were synthesized by combustion method using zirconyl nitrate and phosphorous pentoxide as precursors. The obtained ZP was characterized by powder X-ray diffractogram, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area. PCD was carried out using methylene blue as a model pollutant in aqueous medium in the presence of UV light irradiation with different concentrations of dye, catalyst and pH. Higher degradation efficiency was observed in basic medium. ZP is employed as a catalyst to form nitrides from aldehydes using different solvents with different aldehydes.

Automated summary

The research focuses on the use of zirconium phosphate nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of dyes, showing higher efficiency in basic conditions. Additionally, zirconium phosphate is also used as a catalyst for the nitration of aldehydes in different solvents.