Synthesis, Characterization and Efficiency of HAp-TiO₂-ZnO Composite as a Promising Photocatalytic Material

ABSTRACT

We, for the first time report the development of a hybrid photocatalyst, HAp-TiO₂-ZnO by co-integrating TiO₂ and ZnO into host material hydroxyapatite (HAp). High temperature calcination of the ingredients, e.g. eggshell, (NH₄)₂HPO₄, TiO₂ and ZnO, led to the formation of the desired photocatalyst. The synthesized composite was characterized by different techniques, e.g. thermogravimetric analyzer, energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared, solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and UV-visible spectrophotometer. The photocatalytic activity of the composite was examined through the degradation of both cationic and anionic dye, i.e. methylene blue and methyl orange, respectively. Observed time dependent photo-degradation profiles were fairly supportive towards its promising application as composite photocatalyst.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Composite
• Photocatalyst
• Hydroxyapatite
• Calcination
• X-ray diffractometer