Photocatalytic Properties of ZnO

Nanoparticles Synthesized by
Prosopis laevigata
Nour Hamieh (113220)
Husein Nasrallah (92955)
 Introduction

Dye in water ZnO nanoparticles Prosopis laevigata

• Toxic • Low toxicity • Stabilizing agent
• Mutagenic • Ease of availability ‐Prevent agglomeration
• Carcinogenic • Low cost ‐Control particle size
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 Objective

• Evaluate the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnO

nanoparticles.

• Characterize the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles.

• Investigate the influence of varying concentrations of Prosopis

laevigata extract.

• Elucidate the kinetic behavior and mass transfer effects involved in

the degradation of methylene blue dye.
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 Methodology
Concentration variations: Extracts were prepared at concentrations of
1%, 2% and 4% (w/v) in 50 ml of deionized water.

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 Characterization Techniques
• Forier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR): Identifying chemical
bonds and functional groups.

FT‐IR Spectrometer
4
 Characterization Techniques
• Ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) Spectroscopy: Determining band gaps of
nanoparticles.

UV‐Vis spectrophotometer

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 Characterization Techniques
• X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) Analysis: Studying crystal structure and
size.

X‐Ray Diffractometer

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 Characterization Techniques
• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) Analysis: Visualizing
nanoparticles morphology.

Transmission Electron Microscope

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 Characterization Results

• FT‐IR Spectroscopy: (4000 𝑐𝑚 to 400 𝑐𝑚 )

For the 3 samples ZnO_PL1%, ZnO_PL2% and ZnO_PL4% samples four
bands were observed.

‐ 3410𝑐𝑚 OH group.
‐ 1384 and 1120 𝑐𝑚 C‐H
and C‐O vibrations.
‐ 400 𝑐𝑚 Zn‐O bond.

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 Characterization Results

• UV‐Vis spectroscopy: (200 nm to 600 nm)

◦ For the 3 samples an absorption
peak is present at 350 nm.

◦ Band gap Tauc model:

𝛼 ℎ𝑣 / = B(hv – Eg)
α:absorption coefficient
hv: photon energy
B: proportionality constant
Eg: band gap energy

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 Characterization Results
• XRD :
◦ Hexagonal structure type of ZnO
nanoparticles.

◦ Size Debye Scherrer formula:

.
L=
L: crystalline size
𝜆: incident wavelength
𝜃: Bragg angle

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 Characterization Results

• TEM:
◦ Shape: Semi‐spherical.
◦ Size:‐ ZnO‐PL1% 64 and 114 nm.
‐ ZnO‐PL2% 63 and 83 nm.
‐ ZnO‐PL4% 29 and 45 nm.
◦ Confirmation of crystalline
nature of ZnO nanoparticles.

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 LHHW Model

• Degradation Time:
Time to degrade 90% of the dye is:
‐70 min. for ZnO‐PL1% sample.
‐45 min. for ZnO‐PL2% sample.
‐31 min. for ZnO‐PL4% sample.

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 Reaction Mechanism

• ZnO + hv ℎ +𝑒
•𝑂 +𝑒 𝑂 ∗
•ℎ +𝐻 O 𝑂𝐻∗ + 𝐻

Dye + 𝑂𝐻 ∗ Intermediate degraded product

Dye + 𝑂 ∗ Intermediate degraded product

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 Conclusion

ZnO nanoparticles are liked tiny superheroes with big powers. They can
clean up pollutants, help in medicine and even make things more
efficient. Embracing these tiny wonders could mean a brighter, cleaner
and healthier future for all of us!

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