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From Waste to Catalyst: Cobalt-Functionalized Silica as a Photocatalyst for Water Purification
Saša Zeljković1, Andraž Šuligoj2,3, Milica Kosić1
1University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Chemistry, Mladena Stojanovica 2, Banja Luka 78 000, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
ACS Omega
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Waste silica is transformed into a cobalt-functionalized composite (Co-MS) for efficient environmental remediation. This sustainable photocatalyst effectively removes methylene blue dye from water using sunlight.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Chemistry
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Repurposing industrial waste materials aligns with circular economy principles and environmental protection.
- Developing sustainable catalysts is crucial for effective wastewater treatment and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a cobalt-functionalized waste silica (Co-MS) composite using a green, solvent-deficient method (SDM).
- To evaluate the Co-MS composite as a photocatalyst for methylene blue (MB) removal under natural sunlight.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Co-MS composite from industrial waste micron-sized silica (MS) and cobalt species via SDM.
- Characterization of the composite using techniques to confirm cobalt nanoparticle formation and properties.
- Photocatalytic degradation of MB using the Co-MS composite under natural sunlight irradiation.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of Co-MS with multiple-valence-state cobalt nanoparticles (Co, CoO, Co3O4) on a silica support.
- The optimal composite (9.1 wt% cobalt oxide) exhibited enhanced surface area (91 m2 g-1) and reduced nanoparticle aggregation.
- Achieved 87.5% MB removal efficiency within 1 hour, demonstrating superior photocatalytic activity under solar light.
Conclusions:
- The Co-MS composite is a low-cost, sustainable, and efficient photocatalyst for wastewater treatment.
- The green synthesis method offers an environmentally friendly approach to waste material valorization.
- This approach highlights the potential of repurposed industrial waste in advanced environmental remediation applications.
