Synthesis a Clay Based Photocatalyst for the Removal of Eosin Yellow in Aqueous Solution

Composite photocatalysts of clay and ZnO have been prepared using three different compositions and characterized by various techniques such as SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD. SEM micrographs in different magnifications revealed different morphology of composite particles rather than commercial ZnO and clay. The particle size of the prepared composite decreased with the increasing amount of clay and thus improves the catalyst surface area. EDX revealed that the composite contains clay and ZnO only. According to FTIR spectrum data, when the ratios of clay to ZnO are 12:88 and 25:75, all the clay particles are completely covered. The shift in the peak position of XRD patterns indicates the molecular level interaction between clay and ZnO. The composite photocatalyst with a composition…