Photoactive, antimicrobial CeO2 decorated AlOOH/PEI hybrid nanocomposite: a multifunctional catalytic-sorbent for lignin and organic dye

Abstract

In this study an amine functionalized, mesoporous monohydroxy aluminium oxide (AlOOH/PEI) hybrid is prepared and further catalytically engineered with nano-CeO₂ to make a multifunctional photoactive and antimicrobial catalytic-sorbent (CeO₂@AlOOH/PEI). Structural and physico-chemical properties of this catalytic-sorbent were characterized using powder XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, N₂ sorption analysis, TGA and zeta-potential measurements. This hybrid catalytic-sorbent is explored for the treatment of industrial waste water contaminated with lignin and organic dye. A comparative study was also done with other known conventional sorbents and the developed CeO₂@AlOOH/PEI catalytic-sorbent shows a better adsorption capacity towards lignin. Photodegradation of lignin and methyl orange dye using the CeO₂@AlOOH/PEI hybrid nanocomposite was also investigated under sunlight and UV irradiation. Both the pollutants show a better photodegradation under UV. Above all, the antibacterial properties of the CeO₂@AlOOH/PEI sorbent were also studied against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli, K. pneumoniae) bacteria and showed efficient antimicrobial activity against these tested bacteria. An eco-friendly, self-regenerative, sustainable CeO₂@AlOOH/PEI catalytic sorbent is designed and validated for the recovery of water resources from lignin and dye contaminated industrial effluent.