Investigating zeolite-infused MWCNTs/ZnO/CeO2 nanocomposites: photocatalytic efficiency

In this study, a range of photocatalysts, including zinc and cerium oxides, were developed using the precipitation technique, while impregnation was used to produce multiwalled CNTs with zinc oxide, multiwalled CNTs with zinc oxide/cerium oxides, and zeolite-based multiwalled CNTs with zinc oxide/cerium oxides. Advanced instruments, such as XRD, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence (PL) devices, were used to analyze the crystal structure, bandgap, and optical properties of each photocatalyst. Methylene blue, an organic contaminant, and sewage from Ethiopia's Bahir Dar cloth industry were used to assess the photocatalytic efficacy of both assisted and unassisted nanocomposites. Under visible light irradiation, the TZ (zeolite with MWCNTs/ZnO/CeO₂) demonstrated a higher degradation performance of MB dye than the T3 nanocomposite, attaining 93.71% and 83.21%, respectively. This implies that by increasing the adsorption capacity, zeolite greatly improves the composite's performance. The stability of the TZ in photocatalytic degradation was assessed, showing a 20.8% reduction after four consecutive runs, confirming the nanocomposite's good stability. Furthermore, the mentioned photocatalyst (TZ) demonstrated greater performance in the degradation of MB with approximately 94.12% compared to the sewage sample efficiency of 76.75%.