In situ crystallization of ZnAl2O4/ZnO nanocomposite on alumina granule for photocatalytic purification of wastewater

• Published in: Research on chemical intermediates 2017, Vol.43 (1), p.321-340
• Main Authors: Shahmirzaee, Mozhgan, Shafiee Afarani, Mahdi, Arabi, Amir Masoud, Iran Nejhad, Ahmad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Catalysts; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Combustion synthesis; Inorganic Chemistry; Nanocomposites; Photocatalysis; Photoluminescence; Photon correlation spectroscopy; Physical Chemistry; X-ray diffraction; Zinc oxide
• ISSN: 0922-6168; 1568-5675
• DOI: 10.1007/s11164-016-2624-6

ZnAl 2 O 4 /ZnO nanocomposites with different ZnO (20, 30, and 40 mol%) concentrations and coated samples on supports were successfully prepared through combustion synthesis assisted by microwave. Two catalyst supports (α-Al 2 O 3 granules and γ-Al 2 O 3 granules) in the forming of granules were used by sintering. The obtained products after calcination were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), dynamic light scattering (DLS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Samples were studied by degradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV irradiation in a photoreactor to evaluate the photocatalytic performance. Degradation using a ZnAl 2 O 4 /ZnO (30 mol%) nanocomposite reached 97.1 %. γ-Al 2 O 3 granules have demonstrated considerable difference in photocatalytic efficiency compared to α-Al 2 O 3 granules. Therefore, the coated granules were able to be employed for the removal of dyes from wastewater, having desirable repeatability and reusability. Our results may initiate large-scale production of coated layers with promising photocatalytic performances.