Using pomegranate peel powders as a new capping agent for synthesis of CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 nanostructures; enhancement of visible light photocatalytic activity

CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 (CZA) nanoclusters were successfully synthesized via a facial and green method in the presence of pomegranate. The structural analysis of the samples confirmed the formation of CZO nanostructures in the range of 14-17 nm. The morphological studies of the samples indicated that, the shape and the particle size of the CZO nanoclusters depend on the sources, ratio of the cationic sources, time and heating temperature. The photocatalytic properties of the CZO nanostructures were obtained using photooxidation of azo dyes; Methyl orange, Methylene blue and Methyl red. The photocatalytic activity of the sample shows about 85% of azo dyes degradation after 75 min of visible light irradiations. The results were clearly demonstrated that the pure CZA nanoparticles can be used as a potential photocatalyst under visible lights for removal of contaminants. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.