S. Sakthivel et al., Photocatalytic degradation of leather dye over ZnO catalyst supported on alumina and glass surfaces, WATER SCI T, 44(5), 2001, pp. 211-218
The photocatalytic degradation of leather dye, Acid green 16, has been inve
stigated over a ZnO catalyst supported on two different materials, namely a
lumina and glass beads (3-5 mm diameter), Sunlight was used as the energy s
ource. The alumina-supported ZnO outperformed the glass-supported ZnO under
identical operational conditions suggesting that the dye molecules are ads
orbed on the alumina supports to make a high concentration environment arou
nd the loaded ZnO, The degradation efficiency was greater at pH = 4 compare
d to other acidic and neutral pH. Also, the degradation efficiency was a li
ttle bit higher in alkaline medium, which correlates with the adsorption be
haviour of acid green 16 on the alumina supported ZnO. The influence of ino
rganic oxidants like H2O2, FeCl3 and Fenton reagent on the degradation effi
ciency were systematically studied. The decolourisation and extent of degra
dation of the dye were determined by UV-VIS spectroscopy and COD reflux met
hods, respectively. Complete mineralisation of the dye was conformed by Hig
h performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis.