A study on divergent functional properties of sphere-like CuWO4 anchored on 2D graphene oxide sheets towards the photocatalysis of ciprofloxacin and electrocatalysis of methanol

Abstract

Exploration of the novel and proficient nanostructured material for the utilization of energy and environmental applications is a major concern to the researchers. Herein, we fabricated sphere-like copper tungstate (CuWO4) anchored on graphene oxide nanocomposite (CuWO4–GO NCs) via simple hydrothermal treatment followed by sonication progress. The successful formation of CuWO4–GO nanocomposite was confirmed by various spectroscopic techniques including XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, DRS–UV and XPS analysis. For the first time, the as-prepared CuWO4–GO NCs were utilized as a bifunctional catalyst for the photodegradation of ciprofloxacin (CF) and electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol. The UV–Visible spectroscopy results portrayed that the CuWO4–GO NCs degrade above 97% of CF aqueous suspension after 60 min of visible light irradiation with good repeatability and stability. Moreover, the CuWO4–GO NCs demonstrates excellent electrocatalytic performances towards the oxidation of methanol in an alkaline medium. In addition, the dielectric properties of the CuWO4–GO NCs were also analyzed and the results are well satisfied. The improved photocatalytic, electrocatalytic and electrical conductivity of CuWO4–GO NCs could ascribe to the strong electrostatic interaction between the CuWO4 and GO.