Plantain pseudostem derived activated carbon decorated zinc oxide nanoflakes for Methyl violet 10B degradation and electrochemical applications

ZnO nanoparticles infused with 1%, 2% and 3% of activated carbon was chemically precipitated and utilized for photocatalytic degradation of aqueous Methyl violet 10B dye wastewater. The structural, morphological and optical properties were characterized and optical properties showed a better reduction of bandgap from 3.10 eV to 2.98 eV for 2% activated carbon infused structures. The maximum degradation of 97.43% were obtained under optimized dye concentration of 20 mg/L, catalyst dosage of 100 mg and pH of 7 with UV irradiation time of 120 min. The reusability studies proved the stability of the nanocomposites and the scavengers test showed the effectiveness of hydroxyl radicals in the degradation process. The efficiencies obtained were then compared with the predicted efficiencies from Artificial Neural Network modelling which demonstrated its effectiveness in predicting the results. Further, electrochemical studies showed a maximum specific capacitance of 583.33 F/g with an energy density of 81.02 Wh/Kg and power density of 515.48 W/Kg illustrating the materials multifunctional capabilities. • ZnO and ZPC nanocomposites were synthesized using P.nigrum seed extract via chemical precipitation method. • ZPC nanoflakes were characterized and utilized for the photocatalytic degradation of Methyl violet 10B dye wastewater. • ZPC-2% nanocomposites showed maximum degradation efficiency of 97.43% compared using predicted Artificial neural Network. • CV, GCD and EIS were performed using a three-electrode system for ZPC-2% nanocomposites. • ZPC-2% nanocomposites showed a maximum specific capacitance of 583.33 F/g at 1 A/g with an energy density of 81.02 Wh/Kg.