Enhanced Photocatalytic and Electrical Performance of Boron-Doped ZnO Nanorods: A Taguchi Optimization Approach for Degradation Efficiency

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In this study, the development of boron-doped zinc oxide nanorods (B-ZnO NRs) as an innovative photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants under UV-A light was investigated. ZnO NRs, doped with varying concentrations of boron, were synthesized via a hydrothermal method, and their structural, optical, electrical, and photocatalytic properties were systematically characterized. The photocatalytic performance of B-ZnO NRs was evaluated under varying pH conditions, contaminant concentrations, and reaction times, while their electrical properties were analyzed by examining the conduction mechanism using the Arrhenius and Mott variable range hopping (VRH) conduction models. Results indicated that boron doping altered the conduction mechanism of ZnO as predicted by these models. In addition, boron doping enhanced electrical conductivity, with DC conductivity increasing up to 5-fold and alternating current conductivity by 3-fold compared to undoped ZnO. A significant enhancement in photocatalytic efficiency was observed, with B-ZnO exhibiting up to 140% higher degradation efficiency at pH 10 compared to pure ZnO. In addition, a Taguchi statistical optimization approach was employed to identify the most influential parameters affecting photocatalytic performance, including pH, reaction time, contaminant concentration, and boron doping levels. Optimal conditions were determined to be pH 10, a contaminant concentration of 2 μM, a reaction time of 90 min, and a boron doping level of 7%. Boron doping significantly improved the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanorods, making them a promising candidate for advanced water treatment, hydrogen production, and environmental sensing applications.