Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic and Cationic Dyes using Iron-oxide Nanoparticles

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

The dye decolourisation using biological system is a complex process requiring a suitable enzyme system in bioremediation of such effluents. Such dye rich effluents can be treated through metal oxide nanoparticle by the photocatalytic degradation process. Photocatalytic reactions are induced by the illumination of nano- sized semiconductors such as TiO₂, ZnO, ZnS, WOγ and Fe₂O₃ in a suspension and they are most promising for the wastewater treatment (Dai et al., 2007) because of their high stability, low costs, high efficiency and no toxicity (Dipti et al., 2010). Among various semiconductors used in photocatalysts, iron oxide nanomaterials exhibit promising photocatalytic activities (Leland et al., 1987 and Bharathi et al., 2009). However, ‘combinational’ nanoparticle systems were used previously for the dye photocatalytic degradation activity. In the present study, we focused on the application of Fe₂O₃-Nps alone in the photocatalytic degradation activity of some selected Anionic and Cationic Dyes.

The environmental engineering applications of many metal oxide nanoparticles, especially iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃- Nps) have been reported. Recently, metal nanoparticles and metal oxide nanoparticles are used as nano-adsorbents, nano-catalysts, nano-filtration and nano-biocides for remediation of water and wastewater pollutants. Among them, potential of iron nanoparticles was found suitable for environmental remediation. The nanoscale zero-valent iron has a large surface area to volume ratio, which enhances their reactivity especially in the environmental applications (Lin et al., 2009).

Nanotechnology is a tool of the recent decade to resolve many issues related to environment and health care. The nano-scale particles have numerous advantages and are widely explored for its new functionalities. The metal nanoparticles production is usually carried out using physical and chemical methods. An array of chemicals is required for the metal nanoparticles production, which is very reactive and toxic reducing agent. This brings about many deleterious effects during its application in health care and environmental engineering. In the meantime, many facile and reliable green technologies were adopted for the production of these nanoparticles. Among the green technologies, various organisms act as precursors to produce the stable and well- functionalised nanoparticles, which include bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, yeast, viruses, plants and so on (Mandal et al., 2006 and Jebali et al., 2011). Plant- mediated nanoparticle synthesis is more reliable in terms of its monodispersed nature, stability and fast synthesis compared to other precursors (Iravani et al., 2011). Various part of plants can be used for the metal nanoparticle synthesis and the process is the simplest and most cost-effective (Kalaiarasi et al., 2010).

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic and Cationic Dyes using Iron-oxide Nanoparticles.

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1.2 Statement of Problems

Investigation reveals the challenges of Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic and Cationic Dyes using Iron-oxide Nanoparticles which entails the effects of inhaled nanoparticles in the body may include lung inflammation and heart problems. The pulmonary injury and inflammation resulting from the inhalation of nanosize urban particulate matter appears to be due to the oxidative stress that these particles cause in the cells.

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1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to determine the Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic and Cationic Dyes using Iron-oxide Nanoparticles. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To identify the Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic using Iron-oxide Nanoparticles
2. To carry out a Spectroscopic Analysis of Iron-oxide Nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃-Nps)
3. To determine the Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic and Cationic Dyes
4. To evaluate the Iron-oxide Nanoparticles from Photocatalytic Degradation of Cationic Dyes

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1.4 Significance of Study

This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

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1.5 Scope of Study

The study focuses on the Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic and Cationic Dyes using Iron-oxide Nanoparticles.

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1.6 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).

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