Effectiveness Of Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots As Photocatalyst Material In The Degradation Of Blue Methylene Under UV Radiation

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Introduction

The textile industry in Indonesia is experiencing rapid growth every year, accompanied by the use of synthetic dyes such as blue methylene and waste disposal directly into the water body. This triggers an urgent need for the Methylene Blue (MB) degradation method to maintain the quality of the environment. One promising approach is photodegradation using Nanoparticles ZnO, N-Doped Carbon Nanodots (N-CNDS), and Nanocomposite ZnO/N-CNDS. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of MB degradation using photocatalyst materials that have been developed.

Background and Significance

The textile industry is one of the largest consumers of water and energy in the world. The use of synthetic dyes such as blue methylene has become a major concern due to their potential to cause environmental pollution. The discharge of untreated wastewater from textile industries can lead to the contamination of water bodies, posing a significant threat to aquatic life and human health. Therefore, the development of effective methods for the degradation of textile industry waste is essential to maintain the quality of the environment.

Research Methodology

The research process begins with the synthesis of N-CNDS from molasses added with urea as a dopan agent using the microwave method. Furthermore, ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized by the sonikation method for two hours, followed by the manufacture of Nanocomposit ZnO/N-CNDS using the sonochemical method. MB degradation is carried out using Nanocomposit ZnO/N-CNDS for various UV rays, which is 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes. After that, MB degradation continued with ZnO and N-CNDS nanoparticles under UV rays to determine the time of irradiation which gives the highest percentage of degradation. Characterization is carried out on photocatalyst and MB material after the degradation process.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the successful N-CNDS synthesized showed a blue luminescence under the 360 ​​Nm UV lamp, with a TEM that showed the shape of the point and particle size of an average of 3.5 nm. N-CNDS absorbance spectrum is measured at 246 Nm. Meanwhile, ZnO nanoparticles have an average particle size of 64.2 Nm with an absorbance spectrum at 380 nm. Nanocomposit ZnO/N-CNDS shows an average particle size of 5.7 Nm and the absorbance spectrum at a wavelength of 281 Nm. MB degradation analysis using Nanocomposit ZnO/N-CNDS under UV radiation for 150 minutes produces the highest effective degradation effectiveness of 79.4%. This shows that the photocatalyst material of Nanocomposite ZnO/N-CNDS has good potential to be applied in MB photodegradation.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Photocatalysis Effectiveness In degradation of dyes, such as methylene blue, it is very important to overcome pollution caused by the textile industry. Nanocomposit ZnO/N-CNDS shows excellence in terms of particle size and absorbance spectrum, which plays a crucial role in increasing interaction with UV light. The smaller particle size increases the surface area and simplifies the process of activating photocatalyst, thereby increasing the efficiency of degradation.

In addition, the use of N-Doped Carbon Nanodots as a dopan in this synthesis contributes to increasing photocatalatic activity. Nitrogen dopan in carbon structure increases the semiconductor properties of ZnO by widening the energy range that can be absorbed by photocatalyst. By utilizing the combination of these two materials, the degradation process can take place faster and more effectively than using just one type of material.

Conclusion

The use of Nanocomposite ZnO/N-CNDS as a photocatalyst material has shown promising results in the degradation of blue methylene under UV radiation. The combination of ZnO and N-CNDS nanoparticles has increased the efficiency of degradation, making it a potential solution for the textile industry waste problem. The development of this technology can contribute to the reduction of water pollution and maintain the sustainability of ecosystems. Therefore, further research and development of this technology are necessary to make it more effective and applicable in real-world scenarios.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Further research is needed to optimize the synthesis process of N-CNDS and ZnO nanoparticles to improve their photocatalytic activity.
  • The use of Nanocomposite ZnO/N-CNDS as a photocatalyst material should be explored in other applications, such as the degradation of other synthetic dyes and organic pollutants.
  • The development of this technology should be continued to make it more effective and applicable in real-world scenarios.
  • The importance of waste management and the application of environmentally friendly technology should be encouraged in the textile industry.

Limitations of the Study

This study has some limitations that should be noted:

  • The study was conducted in a laboratory setting, and the results may not be directly applicable to real-world scenarios.
  • The study only focused on the degradation of blue methylene, and further research is needed to explore the degradation of other synthetic dyes and organic pollutants.
  • The study did not investigate the long-term stability and reusability of the Nanocomposite ZnO/N-CNDS photocatalyst material.

Future Research Directions

Based on the results of this study, the following future research directions are suggested:

  • Investigating the degradation of other synthetic dyes and organic pollutants using Nanocomposite ZnO/N-CNDS as a photocatalyst material.
  • Optimizing the synthesis process of N-CNDS and ZnO nanoparticles to improve their photocatalytic activity.
  • Exploring the use of Nanocomposite ZnO/N-CNDS as a photocatalyst material in other applications, such as water treatment and air purification.
  • Investigating the long-term stability and reusability of the Nanocomposite ZnO/N-CNDS photocatalyst material.

Q: What is the purpose of using Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots as a photocatalyst material?

A: The purpose of using Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots as a photocatalyst material is to degrade synthetic dyes, such as blue methylene, and other organic pollutants in water. This is essential to maintain the quality of the environment and reduce water pollution.

Q: How does the Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots work as a photocatalyst material?

A: The Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots work as a photocatalyst material by absorbing UV radiation and using it to activate the photocatalyst. This activation process leads to the degradation of the synthetic dyes and other organic pollutants in water.

Q: What are the advantages of using Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots as a photocatalyst material?

A: The advantages of using Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots as a photocatalyst material include:

  • High photocatalytic activity
  • Small particle size, which increases the surface area and simplifies the process of activating the photocatalyst
  • Ability to degrade a wide range of synthetic dyes and organic pollutants
  • Environmentally friendly and non-toxic

Q: What are the limitations of using Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots as a photocatalyst material?

A: The limitations of using Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots as a photocatalyst material include:

  • The need for UV radiation to activate the photocatalyst
  • The potential for the photocatalyst to be deactivated over time
  • The need for further research to optimize the synthesis process and improve the photocatalytic activity

Q: Can the Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots be used in other applications?

A: Yes, the Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots can be used in other applications, such as:

  • Water treatment and purification
  • Air purification
  • Degradation of other synthetic dyes and organic pollutants
  • Development of new materials and technologies

Q: How can the Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots be synthesized?

A: The Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots can be synthesized using a variety of methods, including:

  • Microwave-assisted synthesis
  • Sonication-assisted synthesis
  • Hydrothermal synthesis
  • Sol-gel synthesis

Q: What are the potential applications of the Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots in the textile industry?

A: The potential applications of the Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots in the textile industry include:

  • Degradation of synthetic dyes and other organic pollutants in wastewater
  • Development of new textile materials and technologies
  • Improvement of the sustainability and environmental friendliness of textile production processes

Q: What are the potential risks and challenges associated with the use of Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots as a photocatalyst material?

A: The potential risks and challenges associated with the use of Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots as a photocatalyst material include:

  • The potential for the photocatalyst to be deactivated over time
  • The need for further research to optimize the synthesis process and improve the photocatalytic activity
  • The potential for the photocatalyst to be toxic or environmentally harmful if not handled properly

Q: How can the Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots be scaled up for industrial applications?

A: The Nanocomposite ZnO/N-Doped Carbon Nanodots can be scaled up for industrial applications using a variety of methods, including:

  • Batch synthesis
  • Continuous flow synthesis
  • Pilot-scale synthesis
  • Large-scale synthesis using industrial equipment and processes.