Photocatalytic Degradation for Acid Orange 7 Using Zinc Oxide Nanostructure Prepared with Activated Carbon

Abstract

In this research Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructure was prepared by using zinc acetate and activated carbon (as matrix). The ZnO nanostructure was characterized by BET, XRD and SEM and consists of ZnO nanoparticles with a size of 21-31 nm and its surface area are 17.78 m2/gr. The efficiency of the catalyst was evaluated in the photocatalytic decomposition of aqueous solution of azo dye, acid orange 7. Major parameters such as pH, amount of catalyst, stirrer effect, initial concentration and solution oxygen effect was considered and activity measurements performed under UV radiation showed acceptable results for the photo- degradation of acid orange 7.