BaTiO₃/MgO Nanocomposite: Synthesis, Characterizations and Multifunctional Applications for Photocatalytic Dye Degradation and Heavy Metal Ions Detection Sensors

BaTiO₃/MgO nanocomposites were prepared using the solution combustion method and characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS). These analyses confirmed that the synthesized BaTiO₃/MgO nanocomposites are crystalline, with a crystallite size of approximately 20 nm, an agglomerated and porous surface morphology, and a band gap of around 3.48 eV. The application of BaTiO₃/MgO nanocomposites as a photocatalyst for wastewater treatment was investigated by degrading Acid Green-25 (AG-25) dye under UV light. Additionally, the potential for using the treated water in agriculture was explored by testing the germination and growth of Zea mays seeds. Additionally, the electrochemical properties of BaTiO₃/MgO nanocomposites were investigated by preparing a modified carbon paste electrode. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) tests demonstrated the nanocomposite’s sensitivity in detecting environmental pollutants, such as heavy metal ions including lead, cadmium, cobalt, and mercury. The energy storage property of the synthesized nanocomposites was evaluated using galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) testing over 500 cycles. BaTiO₃/MgO nanocomposites exhibit significant potential for cost effectiveness and scalable multifunctional energy applications, effectively serving as both a photocatalyst for wastewater treatment and a sensitive electrochemical sensor for detecting heavy metal ions.