Synthesis and Characterization of ZnAl₂O₄-Co₃O₄ Composite and Its Effectiveness in Catalytic Dye Degradation: A Comprehensive Study

Felipe Colaço de Oliveira; Natália Cardoso Moraes; Taynná Cristina da Cunha Ferreira; Rafael Block Samulewski; Milena Martins Andrade

doi:10.18593/evid.36876

Authors

Felipe Colaço de Oliveira Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná
Natália Cardoso Moraes Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná
Taynná Cristina da Cunha Ferreira Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná
Rafael Block Samulewski Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná
Milena Martins Andrade UTFPR

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18593/evid.36876

Keywords:

Catalysts, Composite, Dye Degradation, Environmental Remediation, Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

: The growing concern over water contamination from industrial dyes has driven the search for efficient and sustainable degradation methods. In this study, a ZnAl₂O₄-Co₃O₄ composite was synthesized through a co-precipitation method, followed by calcination and mechanochemical incorporation to investigate its potential in catalyzing the degradation of synthetic dye 1-Amino-4-[(4-anilino-9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-yl)amino]anthraquinone-2-sulfonic acid sodium salt in aqueous solutions, commercially known as Reactive Blue 222, a reactive anthraquinone dye commonly used in the textile industry. This compound is known for its high chemical stability and resistance to biodegradation, posing significant risks to aquatic ecosystems due to its persistence and potential toxicity. Structural and morphological characteristics of the composite were thoroughly analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. These analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of Co₃O₄ particles within the ZnAl₂O₄ matrix, resulting in resulting in the coating of zinc aluminate surface by cobalt oxide. Maintenance of structures occurs after incorporation via mechanochemical method, supported by XRD and FTIR results. The catalytic performance of the ZnAl₂O₄-Co₃O₄ composite was evaluated through degradation tests of RB222 dye, and results demonstrated a high degradation efficiency, with more than 90% dye removal within 120 minutes, showcasing the composite's ability to break down dye molecules into colorless byproducts. This work highlights the potential of ZnAl₂O₄-Co₃O₄ composites as effective materials for environmental remediation, particularly in wastewater treatment. The findings suggest further research into optimizing catalyst preparation methods and exploring their application to other pollutants.

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