Layer by Layer Assembly of Zinc Oxide Nanotubes and Nanoflowers as Catalyst for Separate and Simultaneous Catalytic Degradation of Dyes and Fuel Additive. Issue 19 (20th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khan, Shanza Rauf; Abid, Sobia; Jamil, Saba; Aqib, Amjad Islam; Faisal, Muhammad Naeem; Ashraf Janjua, Muhammad Ramzan Saeed
• Is Part Of: ChemistrySelect. Volume 4:Issue 19(2019)
• Page Start: 5548
• Page End: 5559
• Publication Date: 2019-05-20
• Subjects: Catalyst; Nanotube; Nanoflower; Self assembly; Zinc oxide.; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1002/slct.201900645
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-6549

Abstract

Abstract: Zinc oxide nanotubes and nanoflowers are synthesized using urea as template through hydrothermal technique. XRD confirmed that product is consists of zinc and oxygen atoms forming a hexagonal crystal system with ZnO chemical formula. SEM showed that tubes and flower like particles are formed. ATR‐IR confirmed the presence of Zn−O bond as a functional group. UV‐VIS spectroscopic analysis exhibits that product has a band gap energy of 3.49 eV. Synthesized product due to its outstanding properties such as wide band gap semiconductor and large surface area to volume ratio is used as a catalyst for individual and simultaneous catalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR) dyes. The apparent rate constant ( kapp ) value of individual and simultaneous catalytic degradation of CR dye is decreased with increase in catalyst dosage while kapp value of individual and simultaneous catalytic degradation of MB dye is increased with increase in catalyst dosage. The synthesized product is found more active towards CR dye as compared to MB dye. Small size and high surface area to volume ratio of product also make it a desirable additive for enhancing the efficiency of diesel fuel. Results obtained from fuel additive activity show that as the concentration of nanoadditive is increased from 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm the calorific value is increased which indicates the enhanced efficiency of fuel due to additive. Abstract : ZnO nanotubes and nanoflowers are prepared successfully using urea as template by hydrothermal approach. The nanotubes are originated from nanoparticles and length and diameter of nanotubes range from 15–20 μm and 1.5 – 4 μm respectively. Synthesized product has been used as catalyst for degradation of Congo red and Methylene blue dyes. Calorific value, surface tension, cloud and pour points, flash and fire points and kinematic viscosity of fuel are also measured at various additive dosages.