Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-particles were chemically deposited onto montmorillonite (MONT) clay particles. The composite ZnO@MONT was then characterized and used as a catalyst for photo-degradation of aqueous tetracycline. Unlike earlier studies, solar simulated light can be effectively used in this work. The composite shows high efficiency as adsorbent and as a photo-degradation catalyst. Both adsorbed and dissolved tetracycline molecules undergo mineralization under the photo-catalytic conditions, and up to 94% of the contaminant gross amount is completely mineralized. Other forms of ZnO particles, commercial ZnO and synthetic ZnO particles were examined in separate experiments. The ZnO@MONT is superior to both pristine counterparts. The ability of tetracycline to sensitize the supported ZnO particles, to solar simulated light, before being photo-degraded itself, is discussed here for the first time. In addition to enhanced catalytic activity of the ZnO@MONT, the composite can be efficiently recovered and reused with no significant loss of efficiency.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 131-143 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Solid State Sciences |
Volume | 74 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2017 |
Keywords
- Montmorillonite
- Photo-catalysis
- Supported catalysis
- Tetracycline photo-degradation
- ZnO
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry
- General Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics