Mn-doped ZrO2 nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for green oxidative degradation of methylene blue

•Manganese doped on cubic phase nanoparticles of ZrO2 was synthesized.•The catalytic activity of Mn-doped ZrO2 nanoparticles in the removal of methylene blue was explored.•Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, was used as an oxidant.

Manganese doped on cubic phase nanoparticles of ZrO2 was synthesized by an impregnation method. These novel particles were carefully analyzed by various chemico-physical methods. The catalytic degradation of an organic dye, methylene blue, in the presence of Mn-doped ZrO2 nanoparticles, as well as ZrO2 nanoparticles as catalyst with aqueous hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, as an oxidizing agent has been studied in aqueous solution at room temperature. Effects of solution pH, catalyst composition and radical scavenging agents on the degree of degradation of methylene blue were also studied. Finally, the recoverability and reusability of the Mn-doped ZrO2 catalyst were evaluated.

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