A novel PANI@Er-doped ZnO (PEZ) MOFs: Synthesis, Characterization and highly efficient photocatalyst for degradation of Methylene Blue

Using environmentally friendly technologies to meet the environmental issue of wastewater is very essential. With this regard, a novel PANI@Er-doped ZnO (PEZ) ternary heterojunction was synthesized using ultrasonic-assisted wet impregnation method. This PEZ heterojunction was found enhanced photocatalytic efficiency with better stability in comparison of their counter parts. All parameters of synthesized samples were explored by XRD, UV-DRS, FE-SEM, EDAX, PL, and UV–Vis Spectroscopy to measure the detoriation rate. Significant photodegradation efficiency against methylene blue (MB) was observed nearly 89% in neutral medium in 90 min. The direction of migration of charge carriers, degradation in rate of recombination of photo-generated electron–hole pairs, and their effective separation of synthesized nanocomposite were responsible for this boost up degradation. UV-DRS and PL studies were conducted to assess the energy band gap that determines the absorption behavior of the produced photocatalyst and validate the active interactions of dopant metals with Polyaniline backbone chains. Pseudo -first order relation, best adjusted by an R² value of 1, best characterized the kinetic studies of methylene blue for all synthesized samples. Therefore, it can be said that Er-ZnO is a unique multifunctional material with applications as a catalyst for the breakdown of organic dyes and an improvement in catalytic behavior upon integration of organic material PANI. The obtained PANI@Er-doped ZnO nanocomposites are anticipated to be effective photocatalyst for the elimination of methylene blue in aqueous environment.