Amelioration of the acid blue oxidation process by as-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles: Optimization of the dye and photocatalyst concentration together with the pH of the solution

In this research, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a binary Zn(II) Schiff-base complex. The complex heat-treated to prepare ZnO nanoparticles via thermal decomposition route at a temperature of 500 °C. The formation of single-phase ZnO nanoparticles and their microstructures were studied by XRD pattern, SEM and TEM observation. The photo-degradation characteristic of the as-prepared ZnO NPs was evaluated and acid blue 193 was investigated as the organic colorant in a photocatalytic reactor by advanced oxidation process (AOP). The effects of operating parameters such as initial concentration of the dye, amount of catalyst and the pH value of the solutions were studied to determine the optimum condition of the process to improve the photo-degradation performance. According to the results, impressive photo-degradation of acid blue is conceivable by the as-synthesized ZnO NPs. The optimum operating conditions to achieve photo-degradation were found to be a solution with pH value of 6, the catalyst concentration of 0.04 g/L, and the dye concentration of 10 g/L. The highest efficiency would be achieved at natural pH of the solution (pH=~6). The optimum concentration of ZnO NPs is about 0.04 g/L. More or less amount of the photocatalyst could not enhance the photodegradation efficiency. At the constant photocatalyst concentration, any increase in dye amounts leads to decrease in degradation efficiency.