Facile synthesis of BaMnO\(₃\)-ZrO\(₂\) composite: A step towards the photocatalytic degradation of organic dye

Environmental contamination by synthetic dyes, particularly Methylene Blue (MB), presents a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to their chemical stability and toxicity. This study investigates the photocatalytic degradation of MB using a BaMnO3:ZrO2 composite synthesized in a 1:2 ratio via a straightforward wet-chemical method. Structural and optical characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS). The composite exhibited a reduced bandgap of 2.88 eV and uniform nanoscale morphology, both favorable for visible-light-driven photocatalysis. Under visible-light irradiation, the catalyst achieved 89% degradation efficiency within 105 min at neutral pH (7.5). These results underscore the synergistic effect of the BaMnO3–ZrO2, which facilitates effective charge separation and reactive species generation. This work highlights the composite’s potential as a sustainable and reusable photocatalyst for wastewater treatment applications.