Synthesis, characterization and efficient photocatalytic properties of spinel materials for dye degradation

In this research, Co0.5Zn0.5Al2O4 spinel oxides photocatalysts were elaborated from layered double hydroxides Co-Zn-Al/CO3 precursor by calcination at 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, and 1000 degrees C. XRD, FTIR, TGA/DTA, and SEM/EDX analysis were used for characterized of prepared photocatalysts. The photocatalytic efficiency of the prepared materials was tested by photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) azo dye as a model of textile con-taminants under UV illumination. The effect of various operational factors such as irradiation time, initial pH, catalyst dose, methyl orange concentration and reuse were investigated. The enhancement of the photo-degradation was strongly dependent on the calcination temperature. A synergic effect between the adsorption and photodegradation was observed. After 50 min of irradiation, the catalyst calcined at 400 degrees C showed the highest efficiency (98.2%). After regeneration (up to five cycles), the photocatalyst showed high stability.