Photocatalytic decolorization of cationic and anionic dyes over ZnO nanoparticle immobilized on natural Tunisian clay

In the present work we describe a simple and low-cost method for the decolorization of textile dyeing and printing wastewaters, using ZnO as photocatalyst supported on natural Tunisian clay (ZnO/Clay). This composite ZnO/Clay material was synthesized through a sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Nitrogen Physisorption (BET), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) linked with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), were performed in order to explain the characteristics of the ZnO/Clay photocatalyst. The XRD patterns, pointing to the presence of ZnO of very small crystal sizes, i.e. highly dispersed on the clay surface. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO/Clay was assayed in the decolorization of a cationic dye (Malachite Green, MG) and anionic dyes (Red Congo, RC) in aqueous solution as models pollutants under UV irradiation. In addition, the effects of different parameters such as pH of the solution, catalyst dosage, concentration of the dyes, irradiation source, as well as the influence of the presence of inorganic ions were investigated. The ZnO/Clay photocatalyst exhibited high photocatalytic activity of MG and CR decolorization under simulated solar compared to UV irradiation. The recyclability of the ZnO/Clay photocatalyst was as well validated. •ZnO/clay photocatalyst prepared using natural clay.•ZnO has a promoting effect on photocatalytic activity of cationic and anionic dyes.•Almost complete degradation using UV and solar irradiation•Stability of the catalyst was confirmed after five consecutive reaction cycles.