Novel composite based on zirconia and graphite. First results of application for synthetic dyes removal

In this research composite based on zirconia and graphite was synthesized using the sol-gel method. Aim of this research is to activate and increase the photocatalytic activity of ZrO2 by combining with graphite-based material. Our results show that we obtained material that can remove both cationic and anionic dyes by sorption and photocatalytic processes. Obtained composite is very effective in sorption of RB19 with up to 100% removal. Photocatalytic activity of composite is higher than pristine GO and goes up to 100% for RB19 degradation and about 50% degradation of MB. These results are promising and present an excellent base for further research.