Citrate-Stabilized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Demonstrate Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes

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Researchers from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University have made significant progress in the synthesis and characterization of citrate-stabilized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) dye under visible irradiation. The study highlights the potential application of these nanoparticles in solar-driven photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. The research has demonstrated up to 53.7% degradation of R6G dye after 150 minutes, with a blue shift in absorbance confirming dye breakdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by Zeta sizer, FTIR, XRD, UV/Vis, and TEM for molecular structure, crystallinity, absorbance (bandgap), and morphology, respectively.
  • The average crystalline size of the nanoparticles was found to be 7.29 nm, with a narrow size distribution, as proven by a lognormal standard deviation of 0.32.
  • The photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO NPs was tested against R6G under visible light, demonstrating up to 53.7% degradation after 150 minutes.
  • The research concluded that citrate-stabilized ZnO NPs have a mesoporous structure with a pore size of 17 nm and a surface area of 8.87 m^2/g.
  • The Zeta potential measurements showed a value of +40.9 mV, indicating excellent colloidal stability.

Statistics:

  • Up to 53.7% degradation of R6G dye was achieved after 150 minutes.
  • The average crystalline size of the nanoparticles was 7.29 nm.
  • The narrow size distribution of the nanoparticles was proven by a lognormal standard deviation of 0.32.
  • 20.9% and 11.0% degradation of R6G dye was achieved for 20 ppm and 30 ppm R6G, respectively.
  • The photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO NPs was tested against R6G under visible light for 150 minutes.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Researchers Have Published New Study Findings on Nanoparticles (Photo-catalytic degradation of Rhodamine 6G under visible lamp using citrate stabilized ZnO nanoparticles). Nanotechnology Weekly. July 7, 2025; p 2180.
  • Photo-catalytic degradation of Rhodamine 6G under visible lamp using citrate stabilized ZnO nanoparticles. Results in Chemistry, 2025, 16():102405.