Impact of radical scavengers on the industrial dye degradation efficiency of biogenic Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Turbinaria ornata extract

Abstract

This study presents a green and eco-friendly approach for synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles using the marine macroalga Turbinaria Ornata (TO) as a capping agent, which demonstrates remarkable photocatalytic and electrochemical properties. The biogenic zno achieved an outstanding 88% degradation of Methylene blue (MB) dye under solar irradiation within 90 min, outperforming conventional ZnO catalysts. Reactive oxygen species, specifically hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide anions (O₂^–), were identified as key contributors to the degradation process, highlighting the material’s efficiency. Notably, the biogenic ZnO maintained high stability with 84% degradation after four cycles, showcasing excellent reusability for long-term applications. This work emphasizes the novelty and superiority of using marine-derived zno for photocatalytic applications, offering a sustainable, cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment and energy storage, with significant advantages compared to existing methods.