Electrochemical Synthesis of Nio₂/Moo₂ Nanocomposite: A Sustainable Catalyst for Carboxylic Acid Photo Degradation and Water Purification

Abstract NiO₂/MoO₂ nanocomposites were electrochemically synthesized and characterized to evaluate their potential as sustainable photocatalysts. The nanocomposites were analyzed using UV-Visible spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and EDAX. Photocatalytic activity was investigated through the volumetric degradation of carboxylic acids—acetic acid, chloroacetic acid, and trichloroacetic acid—in the presence of NaOH. The photocatalyst demonstrated a remarkable degradation efficiency of 97.8%. Photodegradation kinetics were analyzed, and the Taft Linear Free Energy Relationship (LFER) was applied to assess the reaction mechanism. Furthermore, the isokinetic temperature (β) for the oxidation of carboxylic acids was calculated to elucidate the thermodynamic aspects of the degradation process. The nanocomposite also demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MTCC 447), and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96). This study highlights the potential of NiO₂/MoO₂ nanocomposites as promising materials for environmental remediation, offering high photocatalytic efficiency and sustainable degradation of persistent pollutants.