Surface modification of microporous carbonaceous fiber for the growth of zinc oxide micro/nanostructures for the decontamination of malathion

Nitric acid oxidation at various concentrations was used to change the surface chemistry of activated carbon fiber (ACF). Boehm titration, zeta potential results confirmed the presence of acidic functional groups on the surface of ACF. Physicochemical characterizations verified the growth of zinc oxide (ZnO) on surface-oxidized fiber. ZnO/ACF rods and flowers formed at pH 7 and 9 were used for decontamination of malathion at solution pH in the presence of ultrasonic waves and ultraviolet radiations. The disappearance of malathion in the solution followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Total organic carbon analysis confirmed the decontamination of malathion in aqueous media.