H2O2-Assisted Sunlight Photocatalytic Degradation of Basic Fuchsin Using Green-Synthesized ZnO Nanowires
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The efficient removal of toxic dyes from wastewater remains a major environmental challenge. In this study, we report a green and facile one-pot synthesis of zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO-NWs) using lemon verbena leaf extract as a sustainable capping and stabilizing agent. The extract played a vital role in directing the 1D growth of the wurtzite hexagonal structure. Characterization confirmed a band gap of 3.12 eV and the characteristic Zn-O stretching at 375 cm−1. Photocatalytic activity tests using 20 mg of biosynthesized ZnO-NWs demonstrated excellent degradation performance. A rate constant of 0.0067 min−1 was achieved, with 99.95% degradation of Basic Fuchsin under natural sunlight for 3 h. Active species analysis highlighted the crucial roles of holes (h+), superoxide radicals (O2•−), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Notably, the addition of 10 mM H2O2 produced a powerful synergistic effect, reducing the degradation time from 3 h to only 7 min and increasing the reaction rate by approximately 25-fold. These findings highlight the potential of biosynthesized ZnO-NWs as highly efficient, rapid, and sustainable photocatalysts for environmental remediation.
Source: Catalysts
Institutions: Abbès Laghrour University of Khenchela, University of Eloued, Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, Newcastle University, Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques, University Yahia Fares of Medea
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,654
OpenAlex ID: W7130328371