Flower-like and nanorods ZnO deposited on rGO as efficient photocatalysts for removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Issue 1 (31st December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Merlano, Aura S.; Albiter, Elim; Valenzuela, Miguel A.; Hoyos, Lina M.; Salazar, Ángel
• Is Part Of: Nanocomposites. Volume 8:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 204
• Page End: 214
• Publication Date: 2022-12-31
• Subjects: Nanocomposites -- ZnO-rGO -- photocatalysis -- polychlorinated biphenyls -- PCBs -- dichlorination -- degradation -- toxic products; Nanocomposites (Materials) -- Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1080/20550324.2023.2168938
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-0324

Abstract

Abstract: PCBs were used for several decades as coolants, lubricants in transformers, plasticizers, and dielectric fluids, being highly carcinogenic and representing a severe environmental problem in soil and water. Pure and modified TiO2 has been the most studied photocatalyst looking to degrade PCBs into less toxic products. Lately, ZnO-graphene composites have played an essential role in the photocatalytic degradation of various toxic organic compounds. In this work, ZnO nanostructures were coupled with reduced graphene oxide (ZnO-rGO) via a one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal route. As a result, the composites exhibited improved photocatalytic performance for PCBs degradation compared to ZnO nanoparticles. Thus, this research provides an in-situ method to grow different morphologies of ZnO on rGO. Graphical Abstract: UF0001