Exploration of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Photocatalytic Removal of Methylene Blue Dye: Synthesis, Characterization and Optimization

Abstract

Water pollution, particularly through industrial effluents, is a significant environmental challenge. The present study explores the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye. ZnO NPs were synthesized via the hydrothermal method, and their structural and morphological features were examined using X-ray diffraction, Transmittance Electron Microscopy, and FESEM techniques. A systematic study was carried out to investigate the effects of catalyst mass dosage, initial dye concentration, and light intensity on photocatalytic degradation efficiency. Results show that the synthesized ZnO NPs are effective in MB dye degradation, and the process adheres to first-order kinetics. This work not only demonstrates the potential of ZnO NPs in addressing industrial dye pollution but also contributes valuable insights toward the development of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable water treatment solutions.