Synthesis of ZnO nanostructure using activated carbon for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange from aqueous solutions

In this research, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructure was prepared by using zinc acetate (as precursor) and carboxylic derivative of activated carbon (as matrix). Activated carbon was modified by oxidation with nitric acid to get carboxylic derivative (AC–COOH). Then, zinc was loaded on the surface of modified activated carbon by an impregnation method. The ZnO nanostructure was characterized by BET, XRD and SEM that confirmed achieving of ZnO nanoparticles with a size of 21–31 nm and surface area of 17.78 m² gr⁻¹. The efficiency of the catalyst was evaluated in the photocatalytic decomposition of aqueous solution of azo dye methyl orange (MO). Major parameters such as pH, dose of catalyst, stirring effect, initial concentration of dye and solution oxygen effect were considered. Activity measurements under UV radiation showed acceptable results for the photodegradation of MO. The efficiency of catalyst prepared with non-modified activated carbon for the photodegradation of MO was also evaluated. The results confirmed that ZnO prepared using carboxylic derivative of activated carbon as matrix had better photocatalytic activity than ZnO prepared by non-modified carbon matrix.