Biosynthesis of the ZnO/SnO2 nanoparticles and characterization of their photocatalytic potential for removal of organic water pollutants

Mohammad Hossein Sayadi (Lead / Corresponding author), Sholeh Ghollasimood, Najmeh Ahmadpour, Shahin Homaeigohar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Citations (Scopus)
354 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Plants are rich sources of antioxidant compounds including phenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants are crucial elements in diet and protect the body against oxidative stress. In this study, antioxidant activity of the phenolic compounds and flavonoids of mistletoe (Viscum album), as a substituent for synthetic antioxidants, was quantitatively investigated. The plant alcoholic (ethanol) extract was used for biosynthesis of the ZnO/SnO2 composite nanoparticles that were employed for photodegradation of three organic pollutants (Congo red (CR), Biphenyl A (BPA), and tetracycline (TC)) under solar light. The photodegradation tests were performed considering the effect of pH, photocatalyst dosage, temperature, and initial concentration of the pollutants. The obtained data were analyzed by a Pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The most optimum conditions for photodegradation of the organic pollutants were found to be: 5 mg/l initial pollutant concentration, 0.5 g/l photocatalyst dosage, and acidic pH. The reusability test implied that the nanoparticles remain stable and can perform well even after 4 cycles of reuse. Conclusively, Viscum album extract offers promising antioxidant properties and allows for biosynthesis of the composite nanoparticles that can optimally photodegrade organic pollutants of wastewater under solar light.
Original languageEnglish
Article number113662
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry
Volume425
Early online date14 Nov 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2022

Keywords

  • Antioxidants
  • Biosynthesis
  • Composite nanoparticles
  • Photocatalytic degradation
  • Viscum album

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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