SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF ZnO/NI COMPOSITE FOR METHYL ORANGE DYE DEGRADATION UNDER UV LIGHT IRRADIATION; [(Penyediaan, Perincian dan Aktiviti Fotomangkin Komposit ZnO/Ni untuk Penyingkiran Metil Jingga Di Bawah Sinaran Lampu UV)]

• Published in: Malaysian Journal of Analytical Sciences
• Main Author: Dasiano S.H.N.I.D.; Rafaie H.A.; Yusoff K.M.; Kasim M.F.; Mamat M.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malaysian Society of Analytical Sciences 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85210239324&partnerID=40&md5=9f140332d3d5debdc44b93d225d9b365

ZnO/Nickel (ZnO/Ni) heterostructures have been studied extensively as potential hybrid materials for photocatalysis applications due to their unique properties and potential applications. The photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO alone is compromised by its wide bandgap energy and high exciton binding energy. To enhance the effectiveness and photostability of ZnO nanoparticles, they can be doped with other elements such as transition metals, non-metals, and noble metals. Herein, we report a facile ultrasonic-assisted chemical mixing technique to prepare ZnO/Ni composite photocatalyst at various weight percentage (10 – 50%). Photocatalytic ability of as synthesized samples was examined for the degradation of methyl orange dye. The ZnO/Ni composite has been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. It is found that the 10 wt.% ZnO/Ni composite produce the highest photocatalytic efficiency with percentage degradation of 89.17% and photodegradation rate constant of 0.0285 min-1 compared to other samples. These results suggest that the introduction of Ni acts as an electron sink, promoting charge separation in ZnO results in efficient light absorption and enhanced the photocatalytic activity The enhanced photocatalytic ability of ZnO/Ni composite make it a potential candidate for removal of organic pollutants from wastewater. © 2024, Malaysian Society of Analytical Sciences. All rights reserved.