Enhanced photocatalytic activity of St-ZnO nanorods for methylene blue dye degradation

In this study, zinc oxide (St-ZnO) nanorods were synthesized using the leaf extract of Solanum trilobactum plant. The physicochemical properties of the fabricated St-ZnO nanorods were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffractometer (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and UV-Visible spectral analysis. These nanorods were subjected under sunlight irradiation to study their photocatalytic property against methylene blue (MB) dye. The dye degradation efficiency of St-ZnO nanorods was calculated to be more than 90% after 45 min of sunlight irradiation. Also, in the experimental recycling study, St-ZnO nanorods were very stable and reusable.

Automated summary

In this study, zinc oxide nanorods were synthesized using leaf extract of Solanum trilobactum plant. The physicochemical properties of the nanorods were characterized and their photocatalytic property against methylene blue dye was investigated under sunlight irradiation. The nanorods showed high dye degradation efficiency and stability, making them suitable for reuse.