Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs): Navigating from MOS to COS and X-COS systems - Unraveling strategies, tackling challenges, and pioneering advances

Abstract

This article presents a significant advancement in the field of photocatalysis through the synthesis of a MSO(Metal oxide semiconductor), COS (coupled oxide semiconductor) and X-COS(doped coupled oxide semiconductor) nanocomposite systems with diverse morphologies, including nanoflowers, nanorods, nanosheets, nanotubes and spherical shapes. In this particular study, we propose a hybrid methodology that amalgamates the coupling of CuO and ZnO oxides and the doping of various elements resulting in a comprehensive study of the relationship between morphology and photocatalysis. The degradation efficiency for various pollutants, including Methylene Blue (MB), Methyl Orange (MO), Green Malachite (GM), and Rhodamine B (RhB), was systematically investigated, employing distinct degradation mechanisms. Our study reveals that X-COS materials exhibit superior surface area, heightened porosity, and elevated specific capacitance, higher light absorption while minimizing energy and surface losses (VELF and SELF), accompanied by a well-suited morphology. These distinctive structural features of X-COS contribute to its enhanced photocatalytic efficiency when compared to MOS and COS systems. Our research not only consolidates the fundamental principles governing the photocatalytic properties of materials but also unveils critical strategies for fabricating highly efficient catalysts. In conclusion, this work significantly contributes to the evolving landscape of photocatalysis, offering a nuanced understanding of the synergistic relationship between morphology and catalytic efficiency. The findings not only broaden the scope of fundamental principles but also pave the way for the development of highly effective catalytic materials with diverse morphologies for environmental remediation applications.