Photocatalytic Activity of Cellulose Nanocrystals/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite Against Thiazine Dye under UV and Visible Light Irradiation

Organic dyes used in the food and textile industries are primary sources of environmental contamination due to their high toxicity nonbiodegradability. This paper describes synthesis cellulose nanocrystals/zinc oxide (CNC/ZnO) nanocomposite via sol-gel method. Various characterization techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy, UV-Vis FESEM-EDX analysis were done. analyses initially confirmed formation CNC/ZnO nanocomposites. showed a fiber-like structure with agglomerated particles on CNC-ZnO image, suggesting functionalization ZnO nanoparticles onto CNC. The photocatalytic potential was then evaluated by degrading 10 ppm thiazine dye (methylene blue) solution. solution irradiated UV visible light at an ambient temperature. degradation monitored different time intervals using spectrophotometer measure absorbance value intermittently. Results activity indicated that synthesized faster under irradiation than light, efficiency 96.11% 85.60%, respectively, after 180 mins irradiation. Further, results suggest great promise sustainable material for organic contaminants aqueous