Abstract
We describe preparation of chlorophyll/flavonoid-sensitized ZnO nanoparticles with visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity. ZnO catalysts were sensitized by an incipient wetness impregnation in which chlorophyll and flavonoid natural pigments were extracted from parsley leaves and Curcuma longa roots, respectively. Structural studies were conducted using characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) were employed to analyze optical characteristics indicating a decrease in bandgap energies of as-sensitized samples towards visible light absorption compared with nonsensitized ZnO catalysts. The photocatalytic property of chlorophyll/flavonoid-sensitized ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated by measuring photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) as a function of involved operating parameters including irradiation time, photocatalyst concentration, pH, and initial MB concentration in aqueous media. Chlorophyll-sensitized catalysts showed higher photodegradation efficiency in comparison with the flavonoid-sensitized sample relevant to a larger optical absorption edge. The photocatalytic results also indicated less optimum irradiation time in the presence of flavonoid-sensitized catalysts compared with that in the presence of the chlorophyll-sensitized sample due to stronger absorption ability of photons in a region around the optical absorption edge. The kinetic expressions were studied using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood theory, and an appropriate model was presented for the MB photodegradation process.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Li, J., Yang, F., Zhou, Q., Wu, L., Li, W., Ren, R., et al.: Visible-light photocatalytic performance, recovery and degradation mechanism of ternary magnetic Fe 3 O 4/BiOBr/BiOI composite. RSC Adv. 9(41), 23545–23553 (2019)
Rane, Y.N., Shende, D.A., Raghuwanshi, M.G., Koli, R.R., Gosavi, S.R., Deshpande, N.G.: Visible-light assisted CdO nanowires photocatalyst for toxic dye degradation studies. Optik (Stuttg). 179(535–44), (2019)
Lin, S.-L., Hsu, K.-C., Hsu, C.-H., Chen, D.-H.: Hydrogen treatment-improved uniform deposition of Ag nanoparticles on ZnO nanorod arrays and their visible-light photocatalytic and surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties. Nanoscale Res Lett. 8(1), 325 (2013)
Juabrum, S., Chankhanittha, T., Nanan, S.: Hydrothermally grown SDS-capped ZnO photocatalyst for degradation of RR141 azo dye. Mater Lett. 245, 1–5 (2019)
Rehman, S., Ullah, R., Butt, A., Gohar, N.D.: Strategies of making TiO2 and ZnO visible light active. J Hazard Mater. 170(2–3), 560–569 (2009)
Prabakaran, E., Pillay, K.: Synthesis of N-doped ZnO nanoparticles with cabbage morphology as a catalyst for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV and visible light. RSC Adv. 9(13), 7509–7535 (2019)
Lavand, A.B., Malghe, Y.S.: Synthesis, characterization and visible light photocatalytic activity of carbon and iron modified ZnO. J King Saud Univ. 30(1), 65–74 (2018)
Park, S.J., Das, G.S., Schütt, F., Adelung, R., Mishra, Y.K., Tripathi, K.M., et al.: Visible-light photocatalysis by carbon-nano-onion-functionalized ZnO tetrapods: degradation of 2, 4-dinitrophenol and a plant-model-based ecological assessment. NPG Asia Mater. 11(1), 8 (2019)
Kumar, R., Anandan, S., Hembram, K., Narasinga Rao, T.: Efficient ZnO-based visible-light-driven photocatalyst for antibacterial applications. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 6(15), 13138–13148 (2014)
Razavi-Khosroshahi, H., Edalati, K., Wu, J., Nakashima, Y., Arita, M., Ikoma, Y., et al.: High-pressure zinc oxide phase as visible-light-active photocatalyst with narrow band gap. J Mater Chem A. 5(38), 20298–20303 (2017)
Thi, T., Ha, V., Pham, T.N., Pham, T.T., Le, M.C.: Synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic activity under visible irradiation using Ag-ZnO/GO nanoparticles derived at low temperature. J Chemother. 2019, 2019
Ziashahabi, A., Prato, M., Dang, Z., Poursalehi, R., Naseri, N.: The effect of silver oxidation on the photocatalytic activity of Ag/ZnO hybrid plasmonic/metal-oxide nanostructures under visible light and in the dark. Sci Rep. 9(1), 1–12 (2019)
Koyyada, G., Pilli, N.S., Jung, J.H., Mandari, K.K., Shanigaram, B., Chandrasekharam, M.: Shining light on panchromatic ruthenium sensitizers towards dye-sensitized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Int J Hydrog Energy. 43(14), 6963–6976 (2018)
Maeda, K., Sahara, G., Eguchi, M., Ishitani, O.: Hybrids of a ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complex and a metal oxide nanosheet for dye-sensitized hydrogen evolution with visible light: effects of the energy structure on photocatalytic activity. ACS Catal. 5(3), 1700–1707 (2015)
Alam, U., Khan, A., Raza, W., Khan, A., Bahnemann, D., Muneer, M.: Highly efficient Y and V co-doped ZnO photocatalyst with enhanced dye sensitized visible light photocatalytic activity. Catal Today. 284, 169–178 (2017)
Vittal, R., Ho, K.-C.: Zinc oxide based dye-sensitized solar cells: a review. Renew Sust Energ Rev. 70, 920–935 (2017)
Yang, G.C.C., Chan, S.-W.: Photocatalytic reduction of chromium (VI) in aqueous solution using dye-sensitized nanoscale ZnO under visible light irradiation. J Nanopart Res. 11(1), 221 (2009)
Li, Z., Wu, Y., Lu, G.: Highly efficient hydrogen evolution over Co (OH) 2 nanoparticles modified g-C3N4 co-sensitized by eosin Y and rose Bengal under visible light irradiation. Appl Catal B Environ. 188, 56–64 (2016)
Zhao, H., Zhang, Y., Li, G., Tian, F., Tang, H., Chen, R.: Rhodamine B-sensitized BiOCl hierarchical nanostructure for methyl orange photodegradation. RSC Adv. 6(10), 7772–7779 (2016)
Janitabar, Darzi, S., Movahedi, M.: Visible light photodegradation of phenol using nanoscale TiO2 and ZnO impregnated with merbromin dye: a mechanistic investigation. Iran J Chem Chem Eng. 33(2), 55–64 (2014)
Mirjalili, M., Karimi, L.: Extraction and characterization of natural dye from green walnut shells and its use in dyeing polyamide: focus on antibacterial properties. J Chemother. 2013, (2013)
Ibrahim, N.A., El-Gamal, A.R., Gouda, M., Mahrous, F.: A new approach for natural dyeing and functional finishing of cotton cellulose. Carbohydr Polym. 82(4), 1205–1211 (2010)
Yusuf, M., Ahmad, A., Shahid, M., Khan, M.I., Khan, S.A., Manzoor, N., et al.: Assessment of colorimetric, antibacterial and antifungal properties of woollen yarn dyed with the extract of the leaves of henna (Lawsonia inermis). J Clean Prod. 27, 42–50 (2012)
Khan, S.A., Ahmad, A., Khan, M.I., Yusuf, M., Shahid, M., Manzoor, N., et al.: Antimicrobial activity of wool yarn dyed with Rheum emodi L.(Indian Rhubarb). Dyes Pigments. 95(2), 206–214 (2012)
Baliarsingh, S., Panda, A.K., Jena, J., Das, T., Das, N.B.: Exploring sustainable technique on natural dye extraction from native plants for textile: identification of colourants, colourimetric analysis of dyed yarns and their antimicrobial evaluation. J Clean Prod. 37, 257–264 (2012)
Ghaheh, F.S., Nateri, A.S., Mortazavi, S.M., Abedi, D., Mokhtari, J.: The effect of mordant salts on antibacterial activity of wool fabric dyed with pomegranate and walnut shell extracts. Color Technol. 128(6), 473–478 (2012)
Jaafar, S.N.H., Minggu, L.J., Arifin, K., Kassim, M.B., Wan, W.R.D.: Natural dyes as TIO2 sensitizers with membranes for photoelectrochemical water splitting: an overview. Renew Sust Energ Rev. 78, 698–709 (2017)
Phongamwong, T., Donphai, W., Prasitchoke, P., Rameshan, C., Barrabés, N., Klysubun, W., et al.: Novel visible-light-sensitized Chl-Mg/P25 catalysts for photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B. Appl Catal B Environ. 207, 326–334 (2017)
Diaz-Uribe, C., Vallejo, W., Campos, K., Solano, W., Andrade, J., Muñoz-Acevedo, A., et al.: Improvement of the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 using Colombian Caribbean species (Syzygium cumini) as natural sensitizers: Experimental and theoretical studies. Dyes Pigments. 150, 370–376 (2018)
Dai, Q., Rabani, J.: Photosensitization of nanocrystalline TiO2 films by pomegranate pigments with unusually high efficiency in aqueous medium. Chem Commun. 20, 2142–2143 (2001)
Yan, Z., Gong, W., Chen, Y., Duan, D., Lim, J., Wang, W., et al.: Visible-light degradation of dyes and phenols over mesoporous titania prepared by using anthocyanin from red radish as template. Int J Photoenergy. 2014, (2014)
Zyoud, A., Zaatar, N., Saadeddin, I., Helal, M.H., Campet, G., Hakim, M., et al.: Alternative natural dyes in water purification: anthocyanin as TiO2-sensitizer in methyl orange photo-degradation. Solid State Sci. 13(6), 1268–1275 (2011)
Zyoud, A.H., Saleh, F., Helal, M.H., Shawahna, R., Hilal, H.S.: Anthocyanin-sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles for phenazopyridine photodegradation under solar simulated light. J Nanomater. 2018, (2018)
Vignesh, K., Suganthi, A., Rajarajan, M., Sakthivadivel, R.: Visible light assisted photodecolorization of eosin-Y in aqueous solution using hesperidin modified TiO2 nanoparticles. Appl Surf Sci. 258(10), 4592–4600 (2012)
Buddee, S., Wongnawa, S., Sriprang, P., Sriwong, C.: Curcumin-sensitized TiO 2 for enhanced photodegradation of dyes under visible light. J Nanopart Res. 16(4), 2336 (2014)
Vignesh, K., Hariharan, R., Rajarajan, M., Suganthi, A.: Photocatalytic performance of Ag doped SnO2 nanoparticles modified with curcumin. Solid State Sci. 21, 91–99 (2013)
Abou-Gamra, Z.M., Ahmed, M.A.: Synthesis of mesoporous TiO2-curcumin nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. J Photochem Photobiol B Biol. 160, 134–141 (2016)
Dil, M.A., Haghighatzadeh, A., Mazinani, B.: Photosensitization effect on visible-light-induced photocatalytic performance of $$\hbox {TiO} _ {2} $$/chlorophyll and flavonoid nanostructures: kinetic and isotherm studies. Bull Mater Sci. 42(5), 248 (2019)
Haghighatzadeh, A., Mazinani, B., Salari, M.A.: Coating of ordered large-pore mesoporous silica with TiO2 nanoparticles and evaluation of its photocatalytic activity. Acta Phys Pol A. 132(420–2), (2017)
Sivakumar, P., Kumar, G.K.G., Renganathan, S.: Synthesis and characterization of ZnS-Ag nanoballs and its application in photocatalytic dye degradation under visible light. J Nanostruct Chem. 4(3), 107 (2014)
Haghighatzadeh, A., Mazinani, B., Shokouhimehr, M., Samiee, L.: Preparation mesoporous TiO2-SiO2 by ultrasonic impregnation method and effect of its calcination temperature on photocatalytic activity. Desalin Water Treat. 92, 145–151 (2017)
El-Desoky, M.M., Ali, M.A., Afifi, G., Imam, H., Al-Assiri, M.S.: Effects of annealing temperatures on the structural and dielectric properties of ZnO nanoparticles. Silicon. 10(2), 301–307 (2018)
Al-Assiri, M.S., Mostafa, M.M., Ali, M.A., El-Desoky, M.M.: Synthesis, structural and electrical properties of annealed ZnO thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Superlattice Microst. 75, 127–135 (2014)
Phongamwong, T., Chareonpanich, M., Limtrakul, J.: Role of chlorophyll in Spirulina on photocatalytic activity of CO2 reduction under visible light over modified N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts. Appl Catal B Environ. 168, 114–124 (2015)
Jiang, D., Xu, Y., Wu, D., Sun, Y.: Visible-light responsive dye-modified TiO2 photocatalyst. J Solid State Chem. 181(3), 593–602 (2008)
Franco Jr., A., Pessoni, H.V.: Optical band-gap and dielectric behavior in Ho-doped ZnO nanoparticles. Mater Lett. 180, 305–308 (2016)
Kumar, V., Singh, R.G., Purohit, L.P., Singh, F.: Effect of swift heavy ion on structural and optical properties of undoped and doped nanocrystalline zinc oxide films. Adv Mater Lett. 4(6), 423–427 (2013)
Hosseini, M., Haghighatzadeh, A., Mazinani, B.: Enhanced third-order optical susceptibility in heterogeneous wurtzite ZnO/anatase TiO2 core/shell nanostructures via controlled TiO2 shell thickness. Opt Mater (Amst). 92(1–10), (2019)
Bi, Z.-C., Tien, H.T.: Photoproduction of hydrogen by dye-sensitized systems. Int J Hydrog Energy. 9, 717–722 (1984)
Keshvadi, N., Haghighatzadeh, A., Mazinani, B.: Improvement in visible-light-induced photocatalytic activity of Ag-CeO2 Schottky-type contact heterostructures. Appl Phys A Mater Sci Process. 126, 1–14 (2020)
Chamjangali, M.A., Bagherian, G., Javid, A., Boroumand, S., Farzaneh, N.: Synthesis of Ag-ZnO with multiple rods (multipods) morphology and its application in the simultaneous photo-catalytic degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 150, 230–237 (2015)
Wang, H., Xie, C., Zhang, W., Cai, S., Yang, Z., Gui, Y.: Comparison of dye degradation efficiency using ZnO powders with various size scales. J Hazard Mater. 141(3), 645–652 (2007)
Benjamin, S., Vaya, D., Punjabi, P.B., Ameta, S.C.: Enhancing photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide by coating with some natural pigments. Arab J Chem. 4(2), 205–209 (2011)
Acknowledgments
The work is partially supported by Ahvaz Branch of Islamic Azad University, and the authors would like to thank the Research Council for their generous support of this work.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Publisher’s note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Haghighatzadeh, A. Visible-light-active chlorophyll/flavonoid-sensitized ZnO nanoparticles: preparation and optical and photocatalytic studies. J Aust Ceram Soc 57, 137–147 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41779-020-00520-x
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41779-020-00520-x