Cu and Zn based nanoparticles for degradation of dyes by Advanced Oxidation Process.

Abstract

Every year thousand tons of synthetic dyes are discharged into water bodies from cosmetics, textile, plastics, leather, and food processing industries. It generates million tons of wastewater. Rising environmental concerns and awareness necessitates removal of dyes from the industry water which became a crucial need for the betterment of the environment.  However, many dyes are invulnerable to physical and biological treatment technologies. In this context, a heterogenous advanced oxidation process (AOP) can be a cost-effective technology to tackle dye degradation. Here, we reported the green synthesis of metallic Zn and Cu nanoparticles (NPs) using plant extracts of Soymida febrifuga and Terminalia arjuna. The synthesis of the NPs was confirmed using XRD and UV-visible spectroscopy. The morphology of the Nps was analysed using SEM techniques. Morphology study using SEM analysis showed spherical crystalline like structure of the ZnNPs and crystalline structure of CuNPs. Moreover, the catalytic performances of the synthesized nanoparticles were studied in the degradation of tartrazine, indigocarmine, azoblack, and alizarine red s dye. At 40 °C for pH 7.5, more than 90 % degradation of dyes can be observed in 150 min, which is highly noteworthy for water treatment. Such green techniques can be useful for green and sustainable environment.