Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Dye Photodegradation Using Mn-Doped ZnAl₂O₄ Nanomaterials
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7492/b6985027Keywords:
Mn-doped ZnAl₂O₄, spinel nanomaterials, photocatalysis, malachite green, dye degradation, visible light activity, nanophotocatalyst, environmental remediationAbstract
Mn-doped ZnAl₂O₄ nanomaterials were successfully synthesized using a simple and cost-effective wet chemical precipitation method and systematically
optimized for enhanced photocatalytic performance. The incorporation of Mn ions into the ZnAl₂O₄ spinel structure was carried out with varying doping
concentrations to investigate their influence on structural, morphological, and optical properties. The synthesized nanomaterials were characterized using X-ray
diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and UV–
visible spectroscopy. The results confirmed the formation of a crystalline spinel structure with nanoscale particle size and improved light absorption in the visible
region due to Mn doping.The photocatalytic efficiency of the prepared nanomaterials was evaluated through the degradation of malachite green dye under visible
light irradiation. The Mn-doped samples exhibited significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to undoped ZnAl₂O₄, attributed to reduced electron–
hole recombination and improved charge transfer efficiency. The optimized composition demonstrated rapid dye degradation, highlighting its potential for
wastewater treatment applications. This study emphasizes the role of Mn doping in tuning the functional properties of ZnAl₂O₄ nanomaterials for high-performance
environmental remediation.
