Hierarchical CuO microstructures synthesis for visible light driven photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Black-5 dye

Abstract

Morphologically controlled hierarchical CuO microstructures were fabricated via facile ultrasound-assisted method and well characterized using several techniques in detail. Morphologies such as chrysanthemum flower, pillow, cotton, rose flowers were obtained upon using different organic solvents whereas for pure water as solvent no such morphology respectively. Reason for such structures may be related to distinct polarities of the solvents used. The obtained CuO nanoparticles were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis spectrophotometry (UV–vis) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). As prepared CuO nanostructures were applied for photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Black-5 dye under visible light irradiation and exhibited good catalytic activities. Among them, cotton-like CuO microstructures synthesized through water-methanol solvent medium showed much better performance (∼95%) in organic dye degradation. This might be attributable to the morphology, exposed area under illumination, and better light absorption.