Abstract
The α-Fe2O3/Cu2O heterostructure (HS) was prepared via the hydrothermal precipitation method and used in the kinetic study of the methylene blue (MB) photodegradation. The samples were subjected to the photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) to evaluate the e/h recombination rate and the results showed a significant decrease in PL intensity of the heterostructure with respect to the individual semiconductors. The band gap energy of 2.28 eV for the single Fe2O3 semiconductor was red-shifted to 1.95 eV by introducing Cu2O species. EDX analysis of the heterostructure showed 74.36% (65.66% atomic%) Cu and 22.21% (22.32 atomic%) Fe in weight%. The heterostructure showed an increased photocatalytic activity towards MB molecules with respect to the individual systems. The degradation process obeyed the first order Hinshelwood kinetic model and an apparent first-order rate constant of 0.025 min−1 with a t1/2 value of 27 min was obtained. The degradation extent of MB was confirmed by the chemical oxygen demand (COD) method that of results confirmed about 90% of MB molecules can be removed during the photodegradation process in the applied conditions.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
