Evaluation of the photocatalytic efficiency of cobalt oxide-reduced graphene oxide-banana biochar hybrid composite towards the degradation of organic dyes and heavy metal Chromium (VI)

Abstract: For a realistic solution, the synthesis of a cost-effective and efficient photocatalyst for the environmental need is utmost essential. Here, a simple in situ hydrothermal method that is a type of “green synthesis” since it doesn’t require harmful chemicals was used to synthesise the simple catalyst Co₃O₄/reduced graphene oxide/biochar (CBG). The Co₃O₄ nanoparticles are finely distributed over the sheets of reduced graphene oxide and biochar during the morphological examination, making the composite stable and appropriate for environmental applications. This catalyst was specifically used to create a Z-scheme heterostructure composite that significantly improves the Co₃O₄ and biochar/rGO photocatalytic performance when exposed to visible light. When it comes to dye and heavy metal Chromium (VI) degradation, the catalyst composite exhibited significantly greater catalytic efficacy compared to individual catalysts. The structural, morphological, and optical features of the CBG nanocomposite were primarily responsible for its exceptional visible light photocatalytic activity with a maximum kinetic rate constant. By optimising the catalyst ratio, the herein described technology can be used to create a promising photocatalyst for environment friendly and sustainable development.