Degradation of methylene blue using co-dopants Mg and Se in an hydroxyapatite composite

In this work, a comparative study was made of different magnesium ion content incorporated into hydroxyapatite (HAP) and modified with selenite ions, with the aim to develop the degradation performance of methylene blue. Although the dopant metal (Mg2+) was present at a relatively low ratio, it induced a change in the microstructure, morphology, surface area, external surface charge, particle size, and degradation performance. The effect of magnesium and selenium binary doping on microstructure and degradation of methylene blue was evaluated. The external surface charge measured by zeta potential clarified that the highest negativity was -11.8 mV and this was accomplished in 1.0 Mg/Se-HAP. Furthermore, the roughness average increased from 36.8 nm, reaching 59.2 nm upon the addition of Mg(II). Moreover, transmission electron microscope micrographs showed that compositions were formed as rod shapes. The process of degradation was optimized, showing effectiveness in methylene blue degradation of 62.4% after 150 min of exposure to visible light. Electrostatic attraction and H-bonding, and coordination played vital roles in the adsorption process. The recyclability of the as-prepared compositions demonstrated that the effectiveness had been reduced to similar to 54.2% after five times of re-use.