Photocatalytic Properties under Sunlight of Heterostructures AgCl/CuO Obtained by Sonochemical Method

Abstract

AgCl/CuO heterostructures were synthesized via a sonochemical method. AgCl/CuO molar compositions of 1:1 and 2:1 were prepared, respectively. Such compositions were prepared using three distinct routes. The particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-FEG) and UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis). In order to analyze the applicability of the heterostructure, photocatalytic tests were performed under sunlight and UV-Vis radiation for the degradation of the methylene blue dye. The results of the X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the AgCl/CuO heterostructure in all samples, with no evidence of doping or formation of deleterious phases. SEM images indicate a cubic-like morphology for the AgCl particles, forming Ag0 on its surface, the CuO particles have a leaf appearance. The results of the photocatalytic activity indicate that the increase of the AgCl molar ratio from 1:1 to 2:1 accelerates the degradation of methylene blue for both the radiations and shows that sunlight decreases by at least 55% for the degradation of the methylene blue, depending on the composition, to the heterostructure.