Comparative catalytic analysis of non-biodegradable barium oxide nanoparticles and biodegradable barium oxide/sodium alginate nanocomposite against organic dyes.

Novel-shaped non-biodegradable barium oxide nanoparticles (N-Bio-BaO NPs) were synthesized via the solvothermal method, while a biodegradable barium oxide/sodium alginate nanocomposite (Bio-BaO/Na-Alg NC) was prepared using simple composition process. Characterization techniques confirmed the successful synthesis of both materials. XRD revealed a highly crystalline monoclinic structure for N-Bio-BaO NPs compared to Bio-BaO/Na-Alg NC. SEM analysis showed N-Bio-BaO NPs exhibit a unique oblong, ellipsoidal morphology, while EDX confirmed the presence of Ba, O and Na. FTIR spectra indicated characteristic band at 692 cm (BaO Stretching) and 1600 cm (carboxylate ion COO stretching). TGA revealed N-Bio-BaO NPs are thermally stable and non-biodegradable, while Bio-BaO/Na-Alg NC is biodegradable, making it ideal for eco-friendly dye reduction applications. Catalytic performance was assessed through kinetic and statistical studies. Firstly, kinetic parameters including rate constant (k), percentage reduction, reduction time and half-life were analyzed. The kinetic parameters for MG with Bio-BaO/Na-Alg NC surpassed those for MB, MO and N-Bio-BaO NPs. Secondly, a response surface methodology (RSM) statistical model was employed to compare the catalytic efficiencies of the materials, using 2D and 3D plots. RSM results demonstrated that Bio-BaO/Na-Alg NC achieved a higher reduction efficacy of methyl green (MG) dye (92 %) compared to N-Bio-BaO NPs (78 %) from wastewater.