Abstract
The synthesis of p-CuAl2O4 via the nitrate route and its photocatalytic performance in conjunction with n-ZnO were investigated. The spinel underwent characterization through thermal analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM/EDX microscopy, FTIR-ATR, BET analysis, and diffuse reflectance (DRS). Various operating parameters, such as the amount of the sensitizer CuAl2O4, pH, catalyst dose, and initial concentration (Co) of Direct Blue 86 (DB86) and Methylene Blue (MB) were optimized for the hetero-system p-CuAl2O4/n-ZnO. Optimization was carried out for the photocatalytic oxidation under visible light, and the apparent rate constant (kapp) of MB was found to be higher than that of DB86. The contribution of each species generated for the degradation of DB86 followed the sequence: e− > •OH > h+ > O2•−, while for the degradation of MB, •OH was identified as the key species, although the action of e− and h+ also played a significant role.
Published Version
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