Synthesis, characterization and efficient photocatalytic properties of spinel materials for dye degradation

In this research, Co0.5Zn0.5Al2O4 spinel oxides photocatalysts were elaborated from layered double hydroxides Co-Zn-Al/CO3 precursor by calcination at 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, and 1000 degrees C. XRD, FTIR, TGA/DTA, and SEM/EDX analysis were used for characterized of prepared photocatalysts. The photocatalytic efficiency of the prepared materials was tested by photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) azo dye as a model of textile con-taminants under UV illumination. The effect of various operational factors such as irradiation time, initial pH, catalyst dose, methyl orange concentration and reuse were investigated. The enhancement of the photo-degradation was strongly dependent on the calcination temperature. A synergic effect between the adsorption and photodegradation was observed. After 50 min of irradiation, the catalyst calcined at 400 degrees C showed the highest efficiency (98.2%). After regeneration (up to five cycles), the photocatalyst showed high stability.

Automated summary

Co0.5Zn0.5Al2O4 spinel oxide photocatalysts were synthesized from layered double hydroxides Co-Zn-Al/CO3 precursor by calcination at temperatures ranging from 300 to 1000 degrees C. Characterization of the prepared photocatalysts was done using XRD, FTIR, TGA/DTA, and SEM/EDX analysis. The photocatalytic efficiency of the materials was evaluated by photodegrading methyl orange (MO) azo dye under UV illumination, and various operational factors were investigated. The catalyst calcined at 400 degrees C showed the highest efficiency (98.2%) after 50 minutes of irradiation, and it exhibited high stability after regeneration for up to five cycles.