Work

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles doped with Mg and Ni for the electro-assisted degradation of hazardous 4-nitrophenol

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In this work, pristine ZnO, Mg-doped ZnO, Ni-doped ZnO, and Mg/Ni co-doped ZnO nanocomposites were prepared by the hydrothermal method and tested in an electro-assisted degradation system for the degradation of the toxic compound 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in alkaline solution. XRD confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure for all samples, while the crystallite size decreased from 33 nm for pristine ZnO to 22 nm for Ni-doped ZnO. SEM showed dopant-induced changes in particle morphology, and the apparent band-gap energy varied from 3.14 to 2.86 eV depending on composition. The degradation experiments were carried out at 21 V using stainless-steel electrodes. Under the tested conditions, the doped samples outperformed pristine ZnO. Mg-doped ZnO showed the highest degradation efficiency at low 4-NP concentration, reaching 97.11% at 5 mg/L with an apparent rate constant of 0.042 min-1, whereas Ni-doped ZnO gave the best result at a higher concentration, achieving 79.56% at 20 mg/L. Among the tested kinetic models, the pseudo-first-order equation gave the best empirical fit.

Source: Molecular Catalysis

DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2026.116039

Authors: M.K. Alqadi, M.S. Abu Ennab, H.M. Al-Khateeb, F.Y. Alzoubi

Institution: Jordan University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced oxidation water treatment

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,110