Synthesis of eco-friendly ZnO-based heterophotocatalysts with enhanced properties under visible light in the degradation of organic pollutants

Abstract Heterogeneous photocatalysts have been widely used for the removal of various organic pollutants from wastewater. The main challenge so far resides in sustainability process, with regard to synthesis and application under visible light. In this study precipitated materials Moringa oleifera seed (MO), groundnut shells (GS) apatite (A) agrowastes were functionalized zinc oxide (ZnO) silver (Ag) solution, produce a novel bioheterophotocatalysts. Various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), photoluminescence (PL) diffraction (XRD) characterization photocatalysts. It was proven that can also enhance photocatalytic activity ZnO-based photocatalyst pure metals. combination MO/GS/A/ZnO/Ag 1:1:1 ratio resulted lower band gap 1.59 eV, compared 2.96 eV ZnO/Ag. These photocatalysts' efficiency tested on photodegradation polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) derived coal leaching water sources acidic mine drainage, alkaline drainage sewage From MO/GS/A/ZnO/Ag, found be 69.59%, 61.07% 61.68%, 52.62%, 37.96 44.30% using ZnO/Ag wastewater 60 min solar irradiation.