Photo Catalytic Efficiency of Hydrothermal Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Removal of Acid Black 1 from Aqueous Solutions

Background Wastewater from textile dyes, which contain organic pollutants, is a major source of environmental contamination. This study aimed to determine the efficiency of the photo-catalytic process of ZnO nanoparticles in removing Acid Black 1 from aqueous solutions.
Methods & Materials This study was quasi-experimental. The nanoparticles were synthesized in the laboratory. To determine their characteristics some tests, including SEM, XRD and particle size distribution were done. The optimum pH was determined in the test, then, by maintaining the optimum pH, hydrogen peroxide concentration, dye concentration and different concentrations of nanoparticles were studied.
Results The results showed that the removal efficiency of this process is maximum at pH=4 and equals to 1.15%. The best color removal efficiency was obtained at a concentration of 5 mg/l. The maximum and minimum removal efficiency as a color block acid were obtained at a concentration of 30 and 5 Mmol/mL of hydrogen peroxide, respectively.
Conclusion Nano-photo catalytic process is a highly efficient method for the removal of dyes in aqueous solutions. In this process, organic materials are converted into less toxic substances also the energy of sunlight, which is used in this process is normally available