Synthesis of novel PdO@Al2O3 nanocomposite for energy storage devices, photodegradation, and other applications

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2024-10, Vol.1003, p.175719, Article 175719
• Main Authors: Sultana, Asia, Kalsoom, Umm E, Ashraf, Ghulam Abbas, Mushtaq, Fazila, Haq, Muhammad Hammad ul, Mahmood, Sajid, Ajmal, Zeeshan, Awwad, Fuad A., Ismail, Emad A.A., Hassan, Noor, Lu, Shixiang, Xu, Wenguo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Corrosion resistance; Nanocomposite; Photodegradation; Self-cleaning; Water contact angle
• ISSN: 0925-8388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.175719

The process for developing PdO@Al2O3 nanocomposites for wastewater treatment involves improving their ability to resist corrosion and their self-cleaning capabilities. To achieve this, it is necessary to carefully combine and analyze different elements to optimize the effectiveness of the catalyst. The objective is to deliver effective and long-lasting solutions for environmental remediation. The PdO@Al2O3 nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, UV–Vis, PL, and TGA techniques. The nanocomposites were examined for their photocatalytic activity. The nanocomposite showed significant corrosion resistance and possessed self-cleaning characteristics. The photodegradation of Congo red dye in the aqueous solution was done by using the composite of palladium-aluminum oxides as a catalyst and it revealed excellent photodegradation performance. The photocatalyst degraded the Congo red dye to 98.79 % with a rate constant of 1.5 × 10−2 in a short time of 30 minutes under the irradiation of UV–visible light. The significant band gap in conduction and structure of the core electrostatic field within the p-n heterojunction produces a powerful stimulus for the photogenerated electrons to migrate from PdO to Al2O3 when exposed to visible light. The superior photodegradation of Congo red showed that the heterostructure of the nanocomposite (PdO@Al2O3) exhibited more charge separation with excellent photodegradation proficiency compared to the purely Al2O3 when exposed to visible light. This work represents a significant advancement by providing efficient remedies for wastewater treatment, while also improving the ability to resist corrosion and self-cleaning applications. •A facile nanocomposite of PdO@ Al2O3 was successfully prepared by hydrothermal method.•This composite material developed excellent self-cleaning and non-wettability.•It has a high potential for corrosion resistance due to robust fabrication and energy storage material.•It exhibited good p