Development of a Novel Metal Oxide Nanocomposite

Prelims – Science – Chemistry

A new metal oxide nanocomposite has been created to enhance the photocatalytic breakdown of organic pollutants, including dyes and pharmaceutical residues.

About the Nanocomposite

• The material was developed by the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• It is a composite made of Nickel-doped Titanium Dioxide (Ni-TiO₂) supported on Fuller’s earth, referred to as NiTF.
• This nanocomposite was tested for its ability to degrade methylene blue, a common dye, through photocatalysis.
• Fuller’s earth enhanced the adsorption ability of TiO₂ even in the absence of light, making it a cost-effective solution for pollution control.

Understanding Metal Oxide Photocatalysis

• Photocatalysis involves the use of light-activated metal oxides that trigger chemical reactions.
• When exposed to light, these catalysts generate electron-hole pairs, which facilitate oxidation-reduction reactions to break down complex pollutants into simpler, non-toxic compounds.
• Common photocatalysts include:
  • Titanium dioxide (TiO₂)
  • Zinc oxide (ZnO)
  • Tungsten trioxide (WO₃)

Factors Influencing Photocatalytic Efficiency

• Type of metal oxide used
• Crystalline structure of the catalyst
• Light source and intensity
• Concentration of the pollutant
• pH level of the solution
• Amount of catalyst added

Key Applications

• Water purification: Removal of persistent organic contaminants from wastewater
• Renewable energy: Hydrogen production via water splitting
• Solar energy: Use in solar cells for better efficiency
• Gas detection: Highly sensitive chemical sensors
• Medical field: Employed as antimicrobial agents
• Coatings and electronics: In self-cleaning surfaces and optoelectronic devices

Photocatalytic Degradation

• It is an advanced oxidation technique that utilizes light to activate catalysts.
• Especially useful for degrading non-biodegradable, high-concentration, and complex organic compounds in polluted water.