Tribocatalysis effect based on ZnO with various specific surface areas for dye degradation

Degradation of dyes by the tribocatalysis effect has attracted widespread interest due to its unique advantages of scalability and recyclability. Still, the influence of specific surface area on the tribocatalysis effect has not been investigated. In order to investigate the effect of specific surface area on the friction catalytic efficiency, we designed and prepared a variety of ZnO nanomaterials with different morphologies. The experimental results showed that the ZnO nanostars could efficiently degrade the organic dyes under magnetic stirring under dark conditions with a degradation rate of 95% at the 12th hour. This is due to the fact that ZnO nanostars with larger specific surface area have more active sites, which play a key role in enhancing the degradation of organic compounds. In addition, the efficiency of friction catalysis can be greatly improved by increasing the friction between the stirring rod and the vessel and by increasing the interfacial area between the stirring rod and the vessel. Degradation experiments of rhodamine, methyl orange, and methylene blue confirm excellent universality and stability of the tribocatalysis effect based on ZnO nanostars. Our research results not only provide a basis and reference for the selection of nanomaterials for the tribocatalysis effect but also propose a new path for developing novel high-efficiency wastewater treatment systems.