Natural Sunlight Driven Photocatalytic Removal of Toxic Textile Dyes in Water Using B-Doped ZnO/TiO2 Nanocomposites

A novel B-doped ZnO/TiO2 (B–ZnO/TiO2) nanocomposite photocatalyst was prepared using a mechanochemical–calcination method. For the characterization of synthesized B–ZnO/TiO2 photocatalyst, XRD, FESEM-EDS, FTIR, UV-Vis DRS, BET, PL, and XPS techniques were used. The bandgap energy reduced, resulting in enhanced visible-light absorption. Significant PL quenching confirmed reduction electron–hole recombination rate. Furthermore, reduced crystallite size larger surface area obtained. Hence, exhibited better photocatalytic activity than commercial TiO2, ZnO, B–ZnO, removal methylene blue (MB) dye under natural sunlight irradiation. effects various parameters, such as initial concentration, amount, solution pH, irradiation time, studied. Under optimal conditions (MB concentration 15 mg/L, pH 11, amount 30 mg, min operation), maximum MB efficiency ~95% plausible degradation mechanism with estimated from scavenger test, it observed that •O2− •OH radicals potential active species for degradation. Cyclic experiments indicated high stability reusability B–ZnO/TiO2, which can be an economical environmentally friendly photocatalyst.