Abstract
The present work describes the synthesis of alpha-MnO(2)nanorods using a natural extract ofBrassica oleracea(cabbage) and the formulation of its nanohybrids with polycarbazole, i.e., alpha-MnO2/PCz. Synergistic interaction between PCz and MnO(2)is revealed from infrared spectroscopy (IR) studies while the composition is determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The formation of alpha-MnO(2)nanorods is confirmed via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The indirect bandgap of alpha-MnO(2)is reported as 2.5 eV while for the nanohybrids it is found to be ranging between 2.3 and 2.5 eV. Results show that 91% and 89% of degradation is achieved within 30 min and 90 min under the microwave and UV irradiation respectively. Hydroxyl radicals ((OH)-O-center dot) and superoxide (O-center dot(2)-) radicals are responsible for photocatalytic degradation of the drug Bactrim DS which is confirmed by radical scavenging experiments. The nanohybrids show promising catalytic activity under UV as well as microwave irradiation.