Simultaneous photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange using a green synthesized Zn0.98Mn0.02O/BiOCl nanocomposite

The photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes has become the focus of a considerable number of research groups. In this work, a green synthesis route towards the fabrication of a Zn0.98Mn0.02O/BiOCl nanocomposite using lemon peel extract is presented. The synthesized samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, XPS analysis and UV-visible spectrophotometry analysis. The photocatalytic activities of the synthesized nanoparticles and nanocomposite were studied by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange dyes under visible light. The photocatalytic degradation of the dyes using the synthesized materials was confirmed by the color of the residual sample and UV-visible spectrophotometry. The synthesized nanocomposite showed an enhanced efficiency towards photocatalytic degradation and under optimal conditions, the maximum removal of up to 96% of methylene blue and 94% of methyl orange can be achieved in just 60 minutes. The generation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals through the heterojunction between Zn0.98Mn0.02O and BiOCl was the reason for the enhanced degradation efficiency as confirmed by radical scavenger tests.