Publication: Synthesis of zinc oxide rods on Kanthal coils using direct heating Method for rhodamine blue dye Degradation and heavy metal Removal
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Date
2024-12-01
Authors
Koe Chee Meng
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Abstract
Immobilizing photocatalysts such as ZnO rods on substrates is essential to
minimize the loss of ZnO rods during the wastewater treatment process. Direct heating
(DH) is an emerging synthesis method that allows immobilization of ZnO rods on
substrates with advantages such as rapid synthesis (<10 min), low electricity
consumption, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, low cost, and simple setup. However,
limited research has explored the potential of this synthesis method. In this project, the
DH method was used to immobilize ZnO rods on kanthal coils. Process optimization
was conducted through a systematic study of the effects of stirring, heating duration,
types of precursors, and coil gauges on the growth of ZnO rods, as well as their
structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties. The optimum synthesis conditions
involved using zinc acetate dihydrate and sodium hydroxide (Precursor type A), with
a heating power of 40 W for 4 min, without stirring the precursor solution during the
DH process. Under these conditions, the ZnO rods achieved 100% surface area
coverage, with an average diameter of 201.4 ± 58.9 nm, length of 819.0 ± 90.8 nm,
and areal density of 16.60 ± 2.07 rods/µm². These results highlight the potential of
ZnO/coil in wastewater treatment, offering dual functionality for dye degradation and
heavy metal ion removal. The DH method is feasible for large-scale immobilization of
ZnO on kanthal coils, presenting a promising approach for industrial wastewater
treatment modules.