Modification of Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Oxide Photocatalyst by Sensitization with Riboflavin as a Photosensitizer

This project involves modification of the photoresponse of zinc oxide by sensitization with riboflavin (RF) as a photosensitizer. Sensitization of the surface of zinc oxide with RF was performed using impregnation method. Modification of zinc oxide surface with this photosensitizer was investigated using different techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of both neat and sensitized zinc oxide was investigated by removal of methylene blue dye (MB) from the simulated industrial wastewater. Removal of this dye from the aqueous solutions was conducted by measuring the absorbance of this dye at 665 nm.