Hydrothermal synthesis of CuMn2O4/CuO nanocomposite without capping agent and study its photocatalytic activity for elimination of dye pollution

Abstract

The problem of water pollution is a great concern. Elimination of dye pollution from the solvent phase by adsorption is a necessary aspect of research. In this work, Cu-based spinel nanocomposites were synthesized without using any surfactant, via a hydrothermal method at 180 °C for 12 h, they can help us to solve the waste disposal problem. The Cu (II) and Mn (II) nitrates with a stoichiometry ratio of 1:2 were used as precursors. This method involves the hydrolysis of Mn and Cu salts in aqueous solution using ammonia as a pH regulator. In order to optimization the morphology and structural characterization of the nanocomposites, effects of the reaction time and temperature were investigated. XRD patterns confirmed formation CuMn2O4/CuO nanocomposites. VSM showed an antiferromagnetic behavior for the nanocomposites in high fields. It is due to the super exchange interactions between the Mn ions. Also, VSM displayed a moderate ferromagnetic behavior with a coercivity of 134 Oe in low fields. The photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposites was examined against the organic dyes of malachite green, eriochrome black T, and methyl orange. CMO NCs exhibited their higher photocatalytic activity in the presence of 0.07 g CMO NC for the degradation of MG solution with 10 ppm concentration. MG contaminant photodegradation was 73.27% after 90 min in this condition.