Photocatalytic degradation of methyl blue dye with H₂O₂ sensing

A condensation polymer (urea-formaldehyde resin) passivated ZnO nanoparticles were used as an efficient photocatalyst for methyl blue degradation in the presence of H₂O₂ involving a Fenton-like reaction. The formation of OH˙ radicals were attributed to the pivotal factor for the degradation process. The method was easy and recyclable. The dose of photocatalyst, initial dye concentration, pH variation, variations of the composition of the photocatalyst, and the effect of scavengers were gauged. The degraded product was highly fluorescent and fluorometric detection of H₂O₂ was achieved along with a colorimetric recognition pathway. No other dye could be degraded under similar experimental conditions, implying the novel utility of methyl blue for environmental remediation.