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Preparation and Characterization of ZnFe2O4/Mn2O3 Nanocatalysts for the Degradation of Nitrobenzene

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Abstract

This study reports the synthesis of pure ZnFe2O4, pure Mn2O3 nanoparticles and ZnFe2O4/Mn2O3 nanocomposites by a simple coprecipitation method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The prepared samples were further applied as photocatalysts for UV-exposed degradation of nitrobenzene at 254 nm. The photocatalytic performance showed that ZnFe2O4/Mn2O3 nanocomposites with various Mn2O3 content exhibited a higher activity compared to that of pure ZnFe2O4 and Mn2O3. Furthermore, among the prepared nanocomposites, the best photocatalytic performance was exhibited by 0.9ZnFe2O4/0.1Mn2O3 nanocomposites. The improved photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the separation of electron–hole pairs, as verified by PL analysis. To achieve the highest degradation rate, the photodegradation reaction was carried out in the presence of various catalyst doses, in acidic, neutral, and basic mediums and at different reaction temperatures. Finally, the compounds produced from the photodegradation reaction were determined by applying the optimal experimental conditions.

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Acknowledgements

This work was performed in the Advanced Nanomaterials Research Lab and Specialized Materials Science Lab at Beirut Arab University in collaboration with Kamal A. Chair Central Research Science Laboratory (KAS CRSL) and Inorganic and Organometallic Coordination Chemistry Laboratory (LCIO) at the American University of Beirut and Lebanese University, respectively.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon

    Amani Aridi

  2. Inorganic and Organometallic Coordination Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon

    Amani Aridi & Daoud Naoufal

  3. Chemistry Department, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

    Houssam El-Rassy

  4. Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon

    Ramadan Awad

  5. Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511, Egypt

    Ramadan Awad

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  1. Amani Aridi
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  2. Daoud Naoufal
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Correspondence to Amani Aridi.

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Aridi, A., Naoufal, D., El-Rassy, H. et al. Preparation and Characterization of ZnFe2O4/Mn2O3 Nanocatalysts for the Degradation of Nitrobenzene. Chemistry Africa 6, 1913–1926 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-023-00609-3

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