Hierarchical Nanocauliflower Chemical Assembly Composed of Copper Oxide and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Enhanced Photocatalytic Dye Degradation.

Kamal Prasad Sapkota,Jeasmin Akter,Jae Ryang Hahn,Insup Lee,Md Abu Hanif,Md Akherul Islam

doi:10.3390/nano11030696

Kamal Prasad Sapkota, Jeasmin Akter + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11030696

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Abstract

We present the fabrication and proficient photocatalytic performance of a series of heterojunction nanocomposites with cauliflower-like architecture synthesized from copper(II) oxide (CuO) nanocrystals and carbon nanotubes with single walls (SWCNTs). These unique photocatalysts were constructed via simplistic recrystallization succeeded by calcination and were labeled as CuOSC-1, CuOSC-2, and CuOSC-3 (representing the components; CuO and SC for SWCNTs, and the calcination time in hours). The photocatalytic potency of the fabricated nanocomposites was investigated on the basis of their capability to decompose methylene blue (MB) dye under visible-light irradiation. Every as-synthesized nanocomposite was effective photocatalyst for the photodecomposition of an MB solution. Moreover, CuOSC-3 exhibited the best photocatalytic activity, with 96% degradation of the visible-light irradiated MB solution in 2 h. Pure CuO nanocrystals generated through the same route and pure SWCNTs were used as controls, where the photocatalytic actions of the nanocomposite samples were found to be remarkably better than that of either the pure CuO or the pure SWCNTs. The recycling proficiency of the photocatalysts was also explored; the results disclosed that the samples could be applied for five cycles without exhibiting a notable change in photocatalytic performance or morphology.

Highlights

Persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic organic pollutants endanger human health via possible endocrine disruption, developmental defects, organ dysfunction, and chronic illness leading to death [1,2,3]
The micrographs clearly show that the chemical combination of CuO and single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) resulted in hierarchical growth of cauliflower-shaped composite particles with diverse sizes between 30 nm and
An effective nanocomposite photocatalyst capable of degrading organic dyes under irradiation by natural sunlight was prepared employing a one-pot, straightforward recrystallization method succeeded by calcination

Summary

Introduction

Persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic organic pollutants endanger human health via possible endocrine disruption, developmental defects, organ dysfunction, and chronic illness leading to death [1,2,3]. Their resistance to degradation via ambient physical, chemical, and biological actions favors their persistence in the environment [4]. Researchers are extensively studying the degradation of such pollutants through photocatalytic oxidation reactions because of growing interest in sustainability. Photocatalytic oxidation reactions enable the direct storage of solar energy in chemicals, which is regarded as a sustainable approach [5]. Facile reachability, outstanding performance, and potent action even in prevailing conditions of environment are additional advantages associated with photocatalysis [7]

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