ZnO/montmorillonite for photocatalytic and photochemical degradation of methylene blue

Synthesis of a ZnO/montmorillonite photocatalyst based on an Indonesian natural montmorillonite was conducted using a sol–gel intercalation method. The physicochemical properties of the material were determined by XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, SEM, TEM and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance. The activity was evaluated in photocatalytic and photochemical degradation of methylene blue (MB) with and without H2O2. Characterization showed that the ZnO particles were successfully distributed in montmorillonite support and ZnO/montmorillonite had lower band gap energy. The increased adsorption of MB on ZnO/montmorillonite resulted in faster photodegradation. The kinetics of the reaction obeyed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model.

Research highlights
► Preparation of ZnO dispersed in montmorillonite as photocatalyst in methylene blue photodegradation.
► Higher specific surface area and higher band gap energy were produced by dispersion.
► The increased adsorption of MB on ZnO/montmorillonite resulted in faster photodegradation.
► The kinetics of the reaction obeyed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model.