Work

Green Synthesis of Photocatalytically Active ZnO Nanoparticles Using Chia Seed Extract and Mechanistic Elucidation of the Photodegradation of Diclofenac and p-Nitrophenol

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using a simple and eco-friendly precipitation method, employing a capping agent derived from chia seeds (Salvia hispanica). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of ZnO with a hexagonal crystal structure and an average crystallite size of less than 30 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed distinct quasi-spherical and nanorod-like morphologies, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) verified the presence of zinc and oxygen. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) indicated significant activity in the UV region, with the nanoparticles exhibiting a band gap of 3.25 eV. The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized ZnO NPs was evaluated through their ability to degrade diclofenac sodium (DCF) and para-nitrophenol (4-nitrophenol, PNP) under UV-LED irradiation, achieving pollutant removal rates exceeding 98%. The degradation mechanism is clarified by a detailed characterization of the reaction intermediates. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO NPs synthesized from chia seed extract for effective environmental remediation of pharmaceutical and organic pollutants.

Source: Catalysts

DOI: 10.3390/catal15010004

Authors: Yossra Ounis Dkhil, Tim Peppel, Michael Sebek, Jennifer Strunk, Ammar Houas

Institutions: Leibniz Institute for Catalysis, University of Gabès, Technical University of Munich

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,069