Development of ZnC₂O₄/carbon xerogel composites for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under solar radiation

The development of new ZnC₂O₄/carbon xerogel composites for photocatalytic applications has been evaluated. The use of carbon xerogel is justified by its high conductivity, which facilitates the separation of charges generated in the structure of zinc oxalate. The photocatalytic efficiency of the materials was evaluated by the decomposition of methylene blue. The materials were produced by dispersing zinc oxalate in carbon gel during its polycondensation in acidic medium. X-ray diffractograms show the existence of the β-ZnC₂O₄ phase in the developed composite. The material has significant radiation absorption in the visible wavelength range. The composite showed complete degradation of methylene blue (10 mg L^-1, 0.5 L) in the system after 3 h under simulated sunlight, with 50 mg L^-1 catalyst dosage, showing the potential use of this material in treatment processes. of effluents. (author)