Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of cationic dyes under visible light irradiation by CuWO4-RGO nanocomposite

Abstract

The cationic dyes for instance, brilliant green (BG) and malachite green (MG), are well considered compounds for having harmful effects on humanoid life. Thus, it is very noteworthy to monitor and eradicate those dyes from contaminated water. This manuscript has discussed the preparation of CuWO4-RGO nanocomposites by hydrothermal route under solvent and oxidant-free conditions. As prepared products were characterised by X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The photocatalytic behaviour of hydrothermally synthesised CuWO4-RGO nanocomposites was studied using the degradation of model dye hazards such as BG and MG under the visible light irradiation. The obtained results showed that prepared nanocomposites exhibited great photocatalytic performance; among all, the CWR-10% composite was recorded with the highest efficiency for decolourisation of MG (93%) and BG (97%) dye solutions in 1 h without oxidising agents added.