Development of a hydroxyapatite-based composite: Sr-doped HAp/NiO proven to be an efficient nanocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of organic dye and photoreduction of Cr(vi)

Abstract

In this research, Sr-doped hydroxyapatite, HAp and NiO nanoparticles were used to produce a novel nanocomposite, Sr-doped HAp/NiO. Various analytical and instrumentation techniques such as FTIR, PXRD, UV-DRS, SEM, TEM, and XPS were used to characterize the as synthesized composite material. The nanocomposite acts as an efficient photocatalyst and is able to degrade Congo red (CR) dye up to 95.6% within 40 min under solar light irradiation without any kind of external additive. The HR LC–MS spectrum was recorded to determine the degradation products of the chosen organic dye. Furthermore, the as prepared nanocatalyst also effectively reduced 98.7% of carcinogenic Cr(VI) to Cr(III) within just 10 min. In order to propose the photocatalytic mechanism and to detect the active radicals present, a radical trapping experiment was conducted. As an appealing photocatalyst for wastewater treatment and reduction of toxic chemicals, the research concluded with a methodical and cost-effective process for producing the Sr-doped HAp/NiO nanocomposite.