Preparation and Application of ZnO-Nb-V Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Dye Degradation under UV Irradiation

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Published: Sep 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29070/9b9s5h30
Keywords:
ZnO nanoparticles, sonochemical synthesis, ZnO-Nb-V composite, photocatalysis, Cl-Sulpha dye degradation, UV light, bandgap 2.6 eV, pH-dependent photocatalysis

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Authors

Anuj Dubey

Department of Chemistry, ITM University, Gwalior, M.P

Deepesh Bhardwaj

Department of Chemistry, ITM, Gwalior, M.P

Rupali Rastogi

Department of Chemistry, ITM University, Gwalior, M.P.

Shivani Saxena

Department of Forensic Science SVVV Indore M.P.

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and its ternary composite ZnO-Nb-V were synthesized successfully via a sonochemical route using an ultrasonic frequency of 20 Hz, power of 500 W, and a reaction time of 120 minutes. The resulting precipitates were subjected to drying at 80°C followed by calcination at 600°C to achieve phase purity and crystallinity. Comprehensive characterization was carried out using UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) techniques, confirming the formation and nanostructured nature of the synthesized materials. The composite exhibited a bandgap of 2.6 eV, attributing enhanced photocatalytic properties. Application studies for the degradation of Chloro-Sulpha (Cl-Sulpha) dye under UV light showed marked photocatalytic efficiency across varying pH levels (4, 7, and 9). The highest degradation efficiency was observed at pH 4, indicating the material's optimal performance under acidic conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of ZnO-Nb-V nanocomposites as efficient photocatalysts for wastewater treatment applications.

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Vol. 22 No. 4 (2025): Journal of Advances in Science and Technology (JAST)

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