The influence of heterostructured TiO₂/ZnO nanomaterials for the removal of azo dye pollutant

In recent times, there has been an inspired research on combining semiconducting metal oxides for improved industrial applications. Significantly, wastewater removal is concerned and the researchers are finding new methodologies for removing azo dyes that possess a high level of carcinogenic effects. In this connection, this work investigates the photocatalytic activity of synthesized TiO₂/ZnO nanocomposite irradiated under UV and visible light. The application of the work involves the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye solution. Initial work begins with the novel synthesis of TiO₂/ZnO coupled system by integrated sol-gel and thermal decomposition methods. Then, various characterization techniques brought out the existing properties of the prepared TiO₂/ZnO catalyst. The X-ray diffraction measurements showed the assorted tetragonal and hexagonal structures. The spherical shape mixed with hexagonal shaped particles were perceived via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Besides, from photoluminescence spectrum (PL) results, the TiO₂/ZnO coupled system displayed slowing down of charge recombination, because of the intermediate states that helps in intensifying the photocatalytic activity. The dual absorption bands corresponding to UV region were deep-rooted from UV–vis spectroscopy. Further, the valuable application of the catalyst in removing methylene blue (MB) dye under both UV and visible light was carried out. The catalyst had displayed 90% of degradation within 40 min under UV light conditions. The other hand, visible light illumination of the catalyst provides divergent results as it possess lesser light absorption. Therefore, this catalyst was unable to yield visible light photocatalytic activity. Hence, this captivating research would bring the wastewater treatment progression using UV light.