Photocatalytic Potential of Green Synthesized ZnO Nanoparticles in Dye Removal Compared to TiO₂; a Performance Evaluation

The present study focuses on the photo catalytic degradation of Reactive Blue 13 dye using a green synthesis process for the preparation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. In contrast, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is used as a comparative catalyst. The synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-ZNP) was carried out using a green approach employing the grapefruit peel extract and characterized by scanning electron microscopy SEM and zeta potential analyses. SEM analysis showed the spheres and smooth pellets of ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 62 nm; at the same time, zeta potential (-11.9 mV) was shown to have good dispersion stability properties. The photo catalytic degradation of Reactive Blue 13 (RB-13) was performed under UV light, and different parameters such as pH, catalyst concentration and irradiation time were used to achieve the most effective dye removal. The study revealed that 0.06 g of ZnO nanoparticles exhibited an impressive photo catalytic activity, achieving a remarkable 98% dye degradation efficiency at pH =11 and after an irradiation time period for a few hours (120 minutes). In comparison, TiO₂ performed with a lower efficiency of 86% under the same conditions. These findings indicate the capability of ZnO nanoparticles in intense textile dye removal processes for wastewater treatment. The high degradation efficiency of Reactive Blue 13 in optimum conditions proves the potential of ZnO as a green and economical photo catalyst for environmental remediation, surpassing conventional TiO₂ due to slow dye decolorization. The outcomes of this can be very helpful in advanced nanomaterial exploration for sustainable wastewater treatment purposes.