Novel visible-light-driven cobalt loaded neutralized red mud (Co/NRM) composite with photocatalytic activity toward methylene blue dye degradation

•Cobalt doped neutralized red mud materials were prepared by impregnation method.•The Co/NRM possessed properties for photodegradation of methylene blue.•Co/NRM (Co:NRM::20:80) nanocomposite exhibits highest photocatalytic activity.•Mechanisms for photodegradation of methylene blue on Co/NRM were elucidated.

Cobalt doped neutralized red mud (Co/NRM) nanocomposite materials were prepared by impregnation method for the photodegradation of methylene blue dye under solar light irradiation. Different Co/NRM catalysts were prepared by varying the weight ratio of Co and NRM and characterized by different instrumental techniques. Under solar light 97.21% degradation was observed in the presence of 0.08 g of Co/NRM (Co:NRM::20:80) photocatalyst within 150 min for 20 mg/L methylene blue solution at pH 9. These results underline the potential use of effective, low-cost and easily available photocatalysts for the promotion of water splitting and environmental remediation under natural sunlight.

Graphical abstractPhotodegradation of methylene blue dye using cobalt loaded neutralized red mud. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide