Titanium dioxide photocatalyst enabled composite for dye removal from water

Unprocessed colored effluents containing dyes are released from several industries resulting in severe water pollution. There was a need to cope with this problem, so an abundant industrial waste of grey stone (GS) powder was utilized for acid yellow dye removal. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that after heating GS powder at elevated temperatures calcination resulted in the production of nanorods. Optimization of factors to enhance adsorption efficiency was done using different values of factors like pH, initial dye concentration, temperature, adsorbent doses, and contact time. To further increase the yellow dye removal capacity of calcined grey stone (CGS) powder, its nanocomposite was prepared using copper doped titanium dioxide. Most interesting observation recorded during the present study was generation of nanorods on calcination of waste powder which then further attained shape of circular particles on producing composites with copper doped titanium dioxide. The composite exhibited a higher external surface area as confirmed by BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analysis available for dye removal. SEM micrograph showed that nanocomposite had regular shaped small particles. The study highlighted the potential of using low-cost, sustainable adsorbents for efficient acid-yellow dye removal, addressing the pressing issue of industrial water pollution. These findings provide the directions to combat water pollution to save water resources and for a healthier environment.