Sunlight active ZnO@FeHCF nanocomposite for the degradation of bisphenol A and nonylphenol

Publication date: Available online 12 May 2019Source: Journal of Environmental Chemical EngineeringAuthor(s): Rachna, Manviri Rani, Uma ShankerAbstractEndocrine phenols (EPs), cytotoxic, genotoxic and persistent pollutants have been found in most environmental monitoring. Therefore, photodegradation of these EPs, namely bisphenol a (BPA) and nonylphenol (NP) was explored in water. Nanocomposite of iron hexacyanoferrate encapsulated with zinc oxide (ZnO@FeHCF) was synthesized by natural plant extract A. indica mediated co-precipitation method. The nanocomposite (100 nm) had thin flakes like morphology with irregular surface comprising ZnO nanoflowers over it. The sharp peaks obtained in the PXRD ensure its higher crystallinity and purity. Fall in concentration of EPs followed exponential decay with time revealing superior activity of nanocomposite. Coupling caused an increase in surface area (80 m2g−1) along with lesser band gap energy (1.1 eV) of nanocomposite. Photodegradation of EPs (2 mg L−1) by optimum dosage of catalyst followed first order kinetics and langmuir isotherms at neutral pH. Slightly lower elimination of NP (91%) than BPA (94%) might be due to its complex structure. Comparative to bare nanoparticles, ZnO@FeHCF were found more effective in EPs adsorption and degradation (Xm = 7.61 mg g−1 of BPA and 7.05 mg g−1 of NP) involving “cation- π” interaction between nanocomposite and EPs. Further, half lif...
Source: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering - Category: Chemistry Source Type: research