Experimental and Physico-Chemical Comparison of ZnO Nanoparticles’ Activity for Photocatalytic Applications in Wastewater Treatment

In this contribution, the photoactivity upon activation by simulated sunlight of zinc oxide (ZnO) obtained from two different synthetic pathways (Acetate and Nitrate) is investigated for water purification. Different reagents processes were exploited to obtain ZnO nanoparticles. Products have been characterized means X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy along with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer, Dynamic Light Scattering, Diffuse Reflectance Measurements, highlight outcomes ascribable each synthesis. A comparison characteristics performances was also carried out respect commercial ZnO. Nanoparticles semiconductor can be as aggregates degrees purity, porosity, shape, their physical-chemical properties addressed specific use in wastewater treatment, testing effectiveness on photocatalytic degradation methylene blue (MB) a model pollutant. Excluding sample, experimental results evidenced better behavior Nitrate sample annealed at 500 °C, which found pure stable water, suggesting that could effectively heterogeneous photocatalyst emerging pollutants provided thermal treatment included process.