Photocatalytic degradation of trichloroethylene in aqueous phase using nano-ZNO/Laponite composites

- Stable nano-ZnO/Laponite composites (NZLc) as an alternative to TiO2 were produced.
- Nanoscale ZnO complexed with NZLc was found to be an effective photocatalyst.
- TCE removal efficiency of NZLc was greater than that of bare nanoscale ZnO.
- Nanoscale ZnO-mediated photodegradation varied with experimental conditions.
- Developed NZLc overcame drawbacks (e.g., filtration & recovery of photocatalysts).