The Cu2O and CuO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through a smart precipitation method using the same precursor but different reagent amounts. The fabrication strategy is relatively easy and economical. The bandgap energies of the as-prepared Cu2O- and CuO-NPs, as obtained from Tauc plots, are 2.08 and 1.82 eV, respectively. The UV and solar light-driven photodegradation of an organic-dye water contaminant using Cu2O- and CuO-NPs were performed. Methylene blue (MB) is a stable cationic dye that has hazardous effects on human health and extensively present in industrial wastewater. MB was used as a representative dye. The outcomes of MB photodegradation by the synthesized Cu2O- and CuO-NPs, revealed 97% and 81% efficiency under UV light irradiation within 60 min. The photodecomposition efficiencies were 70% and 63% using Cu2O and CuO-NPs within 120 min under solar light exposure. The solar light-driven photocatalytic degradation experiment was conducted in the outdoor environment. The significant deterioration of MB solution by the as-synthesized NPs implies potentially potent photocatalysts for domestic and industrial wastewater treatment.

Kinetically controlled selective preparation of Cu2O and CuO nanoparticles: Rapid degradation of methylene blue using UV and solar light

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.