Efficient photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet using quaternized reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite

The discharge of dyes into water resources is an alarming issue that poses a threat to the environment. This study aims to synthesize nanocatalysts, i.e., BiO2-x/rGO-CNT/ZnO nanocomposite, for efficient photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet dye. The nanocomposites were analyzed utilizing XRD, Raman spectroscopy techniques, FTIR, XPS, FESEM, EDAX, TEM, HRTEM, and UV–vis spectra. The band edge position of the nanoparticles was confirmed from the UV–vis spectrum, indicating significant absorption in the expanded visible-light region. The BiO2-x/rGO-CNT/ZnO nanocomposite showed enhanced photocatalytic efficiency in comparison with BiO2-x/rGO-CNT nanocomposite by degrading 92.39 % of crystal violet dye in 5 h under visible light. The kinetic investigation of photocatalytic degradation for BiO2-x/rGO-CNT and BiO2-x/rGO-CNT/ZnO nanocomposite followed pseudo-first-order rate kinetics with rate constants of 0.040 h−1 and 0.048 h−1 was obtained for optimum pH 12. The enhanced degradation characteristics of BiO2-x/rGO-CNT/ZnO nanocomposite, make it a suitable alternative for wastewater treatment. [Display omitted]