Abstract
Photocatalytic reduction of Hg2+ under visible light, using a unique type of photocatalyst, is widely acknowledged as a primary avenue aimed at that trend. A new nanocomposite PtO@ZrO2 comprised of mesoporous ZrO2 and PtO was synthesized using a straightforward wet chemical technique. The crystal structure of PtO@ZrO2 along with the varied compositions of the fabricated materials were successfully detected. We also demonstrated that PtO may be successfully integrated into the ZrO2 configuration. The acquired TEM images proven the spherical shape of PtO nanoparticles (NPs) and that it were equally spread throughout the ZrO2 NPs. The BET surface areas for ZrO2 and PtO@ZrO2 samples, with different weight ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% of PtO additives were 235, 214, 205, 200, and 199 m(2)/g, respectively. Additionally, the band gap energy (E-g) aimed at ZrO2 and PtO@ZrO2 samples, with different weight ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% of PtO additives were determined to be 2.92, 2.82, 2.73, 2.67, as well as 2.66 eV, respectively. With visible light, the PtO@ZrO2 photocatalyst were studied for their application as a potentially effective photocatalyst against Hg2+ photoreduction. The presence of PtO in the sample confirmed that the photocatalytic action was linked to the Hg reduction procedure. The maximum value of Hg2+ reduction was found for a 1.5% PtO@ZrO2 photocatalyst, showing a significant enhancement in its photocatalytic activity due to the amount of doped nanocomposite used. The recycled PtO@ZrO2 structure remain its activity even after five cycles of application while preserving its recyclability. The newly synthesized PtO@ZrO2 photocatalyst has the potential to be exploited as an environmentally benign photocatalyst for key transformation events in the environment.