Degradation of organic dyes by utilizing CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) nanoparticles via tribocatalysis process

Tribocatalysis is an emerging catalysis process which leverages the triboelectric effect, wherein the interaction between two dissimilar materials through friction yields charges capable of promoting diverse catalytic reactions. The current study utilized Calcium Copper Titanate, CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) nanoparticles as a tribocatalyst to degrade a cationic organic dyes Methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine Blue (RB). Tribocatalysis, a promising catalytic process, was conducted for a duration of 12 hours using a glass beaker and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/Teflon. The degradation process was observed at different stirring speeds of Teflon, namely 300, 500, and 700 rpm for MB dye. The results indicated that as the stirring speed of Teflon increased, there was a corresponding increase in the degradation of MB dye. The maximum degradation achieved within the 12-hour was approximately 78% at a stirring speed of 700 rpm whereas approximately 60% of RB dye was degraded at same speed. Furthermore, stability of CCTO ceramic was maintained even after utilizing it for 4 consecutive cycles for both MB and RB dye. With the outcomes of the present study, it can be said CCTO nanoparticles possess the ability to harness mechanical energy from the surrounding, utilizing friction as a means to remove contaminants from water.