Preparation of FeS₂/ZnO nanocomposites for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollution from water: optical, structural, and optimisation studies

ABSTRACT

The novel FeS₂/ZnO nanocomposites was synthesised by a chemical precipitation rout. The optical and structure properties of the synthesised catalysts were characterised by X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The photo efficiency of the synthesised catalysts were investigated for the decomposition of malachite green (MG) in water under UV light radiation. Response surface methodology and Box–Behnken design was conducted to evaluation of optimise study the degradation reaction. The influence of factors including pH, dye concentration, and the dose of catalyst on the MG removal were investigated. The highest MG removal (98.0%) was obtained by using the 0.02 g of catalyst, 20 mg/L of MG concentration, and pH 10 in 40 min. The synthesised FeS₂/ZnO-2 nanocomposite displayed a higher photocatalytic efficiency in compared to other catalyst.

KEYWORDS:

• FeS₂/ZnO
• Box–Behnken design
• dye removal
• photocatalysis

Acknowledgments

The researchers are thanking for the patronage of this project by the Islamic Azad University of Central Tehran Branch.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).