Chapter 8 Conclusion
Chapter 8 Conclusion
Chapter 8 Conclusion
Metal and metal oxide nanomaterials doped with activated carbon have attracted
intensive materials due to their excellent electronic, magnetic, catalytic, optical, thermal,
mechanical properties compared with their undoped materials. The eco-friendly, high-effective
catalyst, greater surface area, and cost-effectiveness of ternary nanocomposites attracted the
interest of the scientific community. The aim of the work was to synthesize and characterize
pure metal and metal oxide doped activated carbon nanocomposites. The Co-precipitation and
hydrothermal methods was used to synthesize pure and composite nanoparticles. The pure and
composite material was characterized using XRD, FT-IR, UV-Visible spectroscopy, SEM with
EDX, and HR-TEM. The crystalline nature, phase, and average crystallite size values were
observed from XRD analysis. The functional groups present in the nanoparticles were
identified through FT-IR spectroscopy. The optical properties and band gap values were
calculated from UV-visible absorbance spectra and the Tauc plot—the elemental composition
analysis through EDX spectrum. The morphology analysis was carried out using SEM and HR-
TEM analysis.
TiO2 NPs synthesized by green synthesis and hydrothermal method (chemical method).
During the synthesis process, the color changes confirm the reduction of bulk titanium to TiO2
nanoparticles. XRD pattern reveals the anatase phase of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. SEM
and TEM images reveal that a uniform spherical shape surface morphology with poly
dispersive nanoparticles. Chemically synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit a lesser band gap
value of 2.09 eV. The EDX spectra confirm the purity of nanoparticles. Antibacterial activity
of TiO2 NPs was tested against bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (gram-
127
Compared to chemical synthesis, plant extract-mediated TiO2 shows maximum degradation
efficiency of 89 % and results in excellent antibacterial activity. The suggested results have
inferred that the property of TiO2 nanoparticles is suited for biomedical and wastewater
The chemical reduction process was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles. Jasmine
flower extract acts as a capping and reducing agent. Color changes from yellowish-green to
brown were visualized using naked eyes. XRD pattern reveals highly crystalline silver
nanoparticles with an average crystalline size of 22 nm. SEM and TEM images reveal
nanofiber shaped silver nanoparticles with no more agglomeration. The optical absorption
spectra of colloidal solution occur due to surface plasmon resonance. Silver nanoparticles show
degradation. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles in composition with jasmine flower served
jasmine flower as biomass. The XRD pattern reveals the hexagonal graphite phase of carbon.
The functional groups present in activated carbon were identified using FT-IR spectroscopy.
SEM and TEM revealed the formation of agglomerated and irregular-shaped nanoparticles.
From UV spectra, the optical absorbance takes place at 249 nm. Energy band gap values of
activated carbon at different annealing temperature results 2.04 eV, 2.00 eV, and 1.97 eV
(400oC, 500oC and 600oC) respectively. The maximum photocatalytic degradation was
obtained at 94 % for MB under the visible light irradiation technique. As prepared, activated
carbon results in excellent antibacterial activity. From the observed results as prepared
128
activated carbon material is highly applicable for wastewater treatment and environmental
application.
shows the face centered cubic structure of silver and anatase phase TiO2. Nanofiber shaped
morphology was obtained from SEM and TEM analysis. Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite exhibits the
bandgap energy of 2.5 eV. Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite results maximum degradation efficiency
efficiency may be due to lesser crystalline size, particle size, and lesser electron-hole
gram-positive and negative bacteria. Thus, the prepared Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite material may
applications.
Crystalline nature was confirmed using the XRD pattern and spotted rings in the SAED pattern.
The functional group was identified using the FT-IR spectrum. The EDX spectrum shows as-
like structure. The biosynthesis method used in the study has vast advantages like cost-
effective, less toxicity, eco-friendly, and highly bio safety. Furthermore, prepared
and exhibits superior photocatalytic activity. The prepared composite material is highly
applicable for environmental wastewater treatment, dye removal, drug delivery, and food
packages.
129
FUTURE WORK
The present study may be expanded to incorporate the following recommended concepts
due to the advantages of low cost, simple production, non-toxicity, and photocatalytic activity
of ternary composites:
• Other hazardous dyes and industrial pollutants will be degraded in the visible region,
130