Insight of microencapsulation and fluorescence efficacy of chitosan based nanocomposite for photocatalytic performance

Hydrogel based microencapsulation of metal oxide nanoparticles have been found to be more practical commencement for the functional materials in current research scenario. Here, in situ development of microencapsulated ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using functionalized chitosan based hydrogel has been achieved. Fluorescent NPs are shielded by organic moieties in a specific chiral backbone of polysaccharide; thus, electrons and holes can be moved across the interface of NPs/Organic framework in hydrogel. The enhanced mechanical strength, compactness, stability in buffer solution, adsorption, positive ζ-potential, and photocatalytic effect of the nanocomposite has been thoroughly investigated with various instrumental analyses. Inherent fluorescence efficacy from NPs in nanocomposite has been monitored for the sequential photocatalytic degradation using two model organic pollutants. The catalytic efficiency for visible-light induced degradation has been established utilizing absorbance, kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic point of view. Microencapsulation protects NPs from open air oxidation, retains their activity and reduces toxicity. Degradation process has been monitored through real time and time dependent fluorescence efficacy study of the nanocomposite. Insolubility of hydrogel based nanocomposite facilitates a very convenient recovery and removal of unused nanocomposite without generating further harmful wastage.