Photocatalytic studies of copper oxide nanostructures for the degradation of methylene blue under visible light

As a well-known global fact, the presence of toxic, non-biodegradable and harmful organic pollutants in soils, wastewater, and atmosphere has become an indisputable significant environmental problem. The present study reports the photocatalytic properties of the cubic-shaped Cu/Cu2O/CuO and bud-shaped CuO nanoparticles for methylene blue (MB) removal from the synthetic dye solution. Nanocrystalline copper oxide particles are synthesized by a simple solvothermal method followed by an annealing process at 400 degrees C in an open atmosphere. The crystalline structure and morphology of the nanoparticles are characterized by X-ray diffraction and field emission-scanning electron microscopy. The optical band gap energies of the prepared powders are estimated using the UV-vis spectrometer. Interestingly, cubic shaped Cu/Cu2O/CuO nanoparticles shows a photo-degradation efficiency of about 78% after 120 mins whereas bud-shaped CuO shows 61% in the presence of H2O2. Further, Cu/Cu2O/CuO nanoparticles show good recyclability of up to three cycles. The excellent photocatalytic performance and reusability properties of Cu/Cu2O/CuO heterojunctions also synergistically lowers the electron-hole recombination rate, promotes the utilization of light and photo-generation of charge carriers. All these combined effects result in the enhanced photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of the MB dye. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigates the photocatalytic properties and recyclability of Cu/Cu2O/CuO and CuO nanoparticles for dye removal, demonstrating their efficient degradation and reuse capabilities.