Synergistic cobalt oxide/reduced graphene oxide/biochar nano-composite catalyst: harnessing the power of the catalyst for sustainable remediation of organic dyes and chromium()

• Published in: RSC advances Vol. 14; no. 14; pp. 189 - 113
• Main Authors: Priyadarsini, Amrita, Mohanty, Chirasmayee, Nanda, Spandan, Mishra, Abinash, Das, Nigamananda, Swain, Nandita, Dash, Manasi, Jena, Pradip Kumar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Royal Society of Chemistry 20.03.2024; The Royal Society of Chemistry
• Subjects: Carcinogens; Catalysts; Chemistry; Chromium; Cobalt oxides; Contaminants; Dyes; Environmental protection; Graphene; Heavy metals; Heterostructures; Malachite green; Methylene blue; Nanocomposites; Optical properties; Photocatalysis; Pollutants; Public health; Recyclability; Stability; Structural analysis; Wastewater; Water purification; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy
• ISSN: 2046-2069; 2046-2069
• DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01031k

The exponential growth of industrial activities has led to a significant rise in the release of organic effluents, containing hazardous heavy metals and dyes, into the environment. These pollutants exhibit resistance to conventional biodegradation processes and are associated with carcinogenic properties, posing a severe threat to living organisms. In this context, the present research endeavours to address this environmental challenge through the development of an affordable and efficient photocatalyst, the Co 3 O 4 /reduced graphene oxide/biochar (CBG-10) heterostructure. The structural analysis of CBG-10, conducted through various techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, and optical property measurements, demonstrates its potential as a highly effective and easily recoverable catalyst for the mineralization of persistent pollutants like methylene blue, malachite green, and hexavalent Cr( vi ). The recyclability of CBG-10 was confirmed through XRD studies, highlighting its stability and practical usability in wastewater purification. The photocatalytic behaviour of the catalyst was attributed to the generation of hydroxyl (&z.rad;OH) and superoxide radicals (&z.rad;O 2 − ) during visible light illumination, as revealed by quenching experiments. The cost-effectiveness and stability of CBG-10 position it as a promising solution for addressing the challenges associated with the removal of stubborn organic contaminants from wastewater, thereby contributing to environmental protection and public health. The first-ever report on the use of a Co 3 O 4 /reduced graphene oxide/biochar composite as an inexpensive, easily separable, and highly reactive visible light active photocatalyst.