Photocatalytic Activity V2O2/MWCNTs and ZrO2/MWCNTs

The prepared V2O2/MWCNTs and ZrO2/MWCNTs were investigated to check out their photocatalytic activities against MB (λmax = 660 nm) using an UV-visible spectrophotometer. First of all, the effect of UV radiations on the dye degradation was checked without using any catalyst. Figure 6(b) shows the degradation efficiency (removal of MB) of UV radiation alone, made after regular intervals (30, 60, 90, and 120 min). The data obtained in case of UV radiations as catalyst indicate that the removal of MB dye  100 ppm aqueous solution is negligible with degradation efficiency 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.4%, and 0.4% at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, respectively. Thus, the UV radiations are not enough for the degradation of MB dye. It is well established that radicals are highly reactive species and can decompose organic effluents from wastewater. Among these, H2O2 is low-cost oxidant which can be used to degrade such pollutants. When H2O2 is irradiated with UV radiation, it is converted into hydroxyl radicals (-OH) which can enhance the degradation efficiency. Keeping in view the role of H2O2, degradation of MB was studied by using H2O2 in the presence of UV radiations. After first interval (30 min), the degradation efficiency was 14%; furthermore, a continuous increase in efficiency (%) was observed with respect to time. For instance, after 60, 90, and 120 min, the degradation efficiencies were 21.2%, 29.3%, and 31.6%, respectively (Figure 6(c)).

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