Abstract

Green Applications of Nanoparticles Derived from Spent Tea Leave as Solar Photocatalyst and Water Purifier

Author(s): Savita B, Ganesh M, Shubham G, Sujala Bindu V and Shivakrishna P

Newly synthesized micro and Nanoparticles are evaluated for possible application in DSSC (dye sensitized solar cell) and a low-cost adsorbent. Naturally occurring anthocyanin dyes, extracted from four fruits/juices were used as sensitizers for DSSCs (dye sensitized solar cells). The DSSCs fabricated with anthocyanin extracts of beet root (Beta vulgaris) with carbon Nanoparticles of spent tea leaves has shown the highest power conversion efficiencies (η) of 0.75% discussed in experimental part. Nanoparticles are also used to treat polluted water of different lakes of Hyderabad. The waste water samples were characterized physico-chemically before and after treatment using activated micro and nanoparticles as adsorbent according to standard procedure. Results are compared based on statistical technique and the magnitude of the difference among the samples is explicated. The results obtained from the various pollution indicators show an appreciable improvement to the quality of the water. The synthesized Nanoparticles were characterized by XRD (X-ray powder diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy), SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), UV–visible spectroscopy.