UV-light photocatalytic degradation of non-ionic surfactants using ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance zinc oxide nanoparticles as a photocatalyst for photodegradation two model non-ionic surfactants (Triton X-100 and C 12 E 10 ). first part investigation focused on synthesis characterization ZnO nanoparticles, since its crystalline structure strongly impacts photocatalytic properties. Based results XRD analysis, it concluded that obtained material occurred in form hexagonal wurtzite with polycrystalline structure. FT-IR XPS analyses were used elucidate confirm nanomaterial structure, whereas N 2 adsorption/desorption SEM/TEM imaging allowed establish synthesized characterized mesoporous uniform, spherical shape particle size fluctuating between 90 130 nm. second included spectrophotometric assessment process. use achieve efficient both (92%) Triton (82%) after 1 h UV irradiation. Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism describe reaction kinetics. Subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis residues indicated degradation is most likely based central fission surfactant molecules further terminal oxidation poly(ethylene glycol) leading carboxylic derivatives surfactants.