Effects of anions on photocatlytic degradation of methlyene blue using zinc oxide power

Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation process has been widely implemented in wastewater remediation and ZnO is extensively researched as the catalyst for the treatment. Photocatalytic degradation rate of organic pollutants is greatly influenced by impurity ions. Many studies revealed that certain anions have significant effects on the overall performance of photocatalysis system. Some of them can either enhance the rate of photocatalyst reaction or act as inhibitor that causes significant reduction in photodegradation rate. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inorganic anions ( chloride, er, carbonate, col· and sulphate, S042·) on photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye using ZnO powder.