Title: Fabrication of ZnO nanocatalyst as an excellent heterogeneous catalyst applicant for Methyl Orange dye degradation in aqueous medium.
Abstract: Abstract The current paper describes the fabrication of an excellent and economical heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the degradation of methyl orange dye in aqueous medium. ZnO/PVP nanocatalyst has been successfully synthesized by the chemical degradation route, followed by ultrasonication. The size, shape and crystalline structure of synthesized ZnO/PVP nano composite was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Dynamic Scattering Light, Zeta Potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. To authenticate the catalytic efficiency of nanocatalyst, the fabricated ZnO/PVP nanocompoiste was screened for methyl orange dye degradation. Finally, synthesized nanocatalyst exhibited an admirable catalytic efficiency, above 98% of methyl orange degradation observed just in 90 seconds using least catalyst dose (150μg) in aqueous medium. The engineered ZnO/PVA nanocomposite shows several advantages over traditional methods for the degradation of hazard and toxic dyes, such as high percentage degradation, short time and minimum dose of nano catalyst and excellent reusability. It is suggested that this rare nanocatalyst may be used successfully on commercial level for degradation toxic pollutants.