Novel visible-light-driven cobalt loaded neutralized red mud (Co/NRM) composite with photocatalytic activity toward methylene blue dye degradation

Cobalt doped neutralized red mud (Co/NRM) nanocomposite materials were prepared by impregnation method for the photodegradation-of methylene blue dye under solar light irradiation. Different Co/NRM catalysts were prepared by varying the weight ratio of Co and NRM and characterized by different instrumental techniques. Under solar light 97.21% degradation was observed in the presence of 0.08 g of Co/NRM (Co:NRM::20:80) photocatalyst within 150 min for 20 mg/L methylene blue solution at pH 9. These results underline the potential use of effective, low-cost and easily available photocatalysts for the promotion of water splitting and environmental remediation under natural sunlight. (C) 2016 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.