Photocatalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol with ZnO supported nano-clinoptilolite zeolite

Photocatalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol aqueous solution was investigated using ZnO/nano-clinoptilolite zeolite under UV irradiation. Nano-powders of clinoptilolite were prepared using a planetary ball mill mechanically method. The photocatalyst was prepared by ion exchanging of nano-clinoptilolite in a 0.1 M zinc nitrate aqueous solution for 24 h followed by calcination at 450 °C for 12 h. Samples were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, DRS, AAS, TG/DTG, SEM, TEM and BET. Effects of various key operating parameters on the degradation rate were studied. The COD and HPLC tests were also used to confirm the degradation extent of the pollutant.