Author(s) :

Paul Kavuna Mahuku, Denis Bilasi Musengele, Joseph K’Ekuboni Malongwe, Trésor Ndonganzadi, Elie Biayi Mweze , Fifi Mulangala Muderhwa, Odon Nkole Mukonkole, Jérémie Lunguya Muswema, Jean Sungula Kayembe , Omer Muamba Mvele, & Gracien Bakambo Ekoko.

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Abstract :

In response to the non-biodegradability of so-called “recalcitrant” synthetic dyes, this study addresses this challenge by focusing on the synthesis of nickel oxide (NiO) nanocrystals via a sol–gel method in the presence of gelatin, as well as their application in photocatalysis for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) taken as a model pollutant. The obtained nanopowders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Visible spectroscopy, thermal analyses (TGA/DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results confirm the formation of pure nickel oxide (NiO) crystals with a face-centered cubic structure of the bunsenite type with an average size of 24.6 nm. The optical properties reveal a bandgap of 2.53 eV, allowing this material to absorb in the visible region at around 490 nm. Photocatalytic tests demonstrate efficient degradation of MB, reaching up to 95% under basic conditions. These findings highlight the potential of the synthesized NiO for wastewater treatment applications.

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