Photocatalytic degradation studies of malachite green dye by hydrothermally synthesized Cobalt Vanadate nanoparticles

Cobalt vanadate (Co3V2O8) nanoparticles were prepared by a hydrothermal process using ammonia metavanadate and cobalt nitrate as precursors and calcined at 450 °C to obtain pure Co3V2O8 nanoparticles. The sample was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The characterization analysis confirmed variations in the structure, shape, functional group, and energy gap of Co3V2O8 nanoparticles. Using the Tauc relationship, the energy band gap was determined by analyzing the Tauc curve. The nanoparticles obtained had an average size of 40 nm and found the zeta potential of the nanoparticles was -78 mV, indicating good dispersion and stability. The photocatalytic activity of Co3V2O8 nanoparticles through the degradation of malachite green dye was investigated under UV light irradiation. According to the results, Co3V2O8 nanoparticles showed a maximum removal efficiency of 89 percent in 60 minutes. It shows that synthesized Co3V2O8 nanoparticles have a strong potential for application as a photocatalyst to degrade textile dyes in wastewater treatment rapidly.