In a promising development for wastewater treatment, researchers have synthesized eco-friendly and affordable photocatalysts using a green approach. The study, led by S. Renuka from the Department of Physics at Government College for Women (A) in Kumbakonam, India, focuses on the synthesis of ZnO and Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles using the leaf extract of Aerva lanata. These nanoparticles were then tested for their ability to degrade organic dyes under sunlight.
The research, published in the journal ‘Chemical Physics Impact’ (translated as ‘Chemical Physics Impact’), employed various characterization techniques to confirm the formation of ZnO-A and the incorporation of iron ions into the ZnO-A lattice. The results showed that the Fe-doped ZnO-A nanoparticles exhibited a higher degradation efficiency, achieving an impressive 99.6% for Congo Red dyes compared to undoped ZnO-A nanoparticles.
The study highlights the potential of Fe-doped ZnO nanostructures as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly material for wastewater treatment. The rodlike structures of the nanoparticles provide a high surface area for catalytic interactions, making them highly effective in degrading organic dyes.
For the maritime industry, this research opens up new opportunities for treating wastewater generated from ships and offshore platforms. The use of green synthesis methods and eco-friendly materials aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility in the maritime sector.
As Renuka explains, “The strong absorption at 301 nm in the UV region is due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The estimated band gap energies of ZnO-A and Fe/ZnO-A are 5.14 and 4.90 eV, respectively.” This indicates that the Fe-doped ZnO-A nanoparticles have a narrower band gap, which enhances their photocatalytic activity.
The commercial impact of this research is significant. The maritime industry is constantly seeking innovative solutions to reduce its environmental footprint. The use of Fe-doped ZnO nanostructures for wastewater treatment offers a promising avenue for achieving this goal. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of the synthesis method makes it an attractive option for commercial applications.
In summary, the research led by S. Renuka presents a novel and eco-friendly approach to wastewater treatment using Fe-doped ZnO nanostructures. The findings have significant implications for the maritime industry, offering a sustainable and effective solution for treating wastewater generated from ships and offshore platforms. As the industry continues to prioritize environmental sustainability, this research provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing efforts to reduce the maritime sector’s impact on the environment.