Abstract
The breakdown of the coloured and colourless organic dyes under natural sunlight was investigated by the prepared photocatalysts. Cobalt aluminate (CoAl2O4, CA) and nickel doped cobalt aluminate (Ni-CoAl2O4, NCA) were well synthesized by an easy pechini route. Ultra-sonication route was followed to prepare composite with carbon nanotubes (CoAl2O4@CNT, NCA@CNT). The prepared catalysts were comprehensively characterized by various techniques. Spinel structure and functional groups of synthesized photocatalysts was confirmed by XRD and FT-IR techniques. The surface morphology of the synthesized materials was analyzed via SEM. The optical properties of fabricated photocatalysts were investigated via UV-Visible spectroscopy. NCA@CNT nano composite exhibited greater photocatalytic activity than doped and undoped photocatalysts. NCA@CNT exhibited 92.7%, 88.77%, and 63.34% photodegradation of crystal violet, methylene blue, and benzoic acid respectively. A scavenger experiment was carried out to figure out efficient photoactive species taking part in the photodegradation of organic pollutants.