Copper-Copper Oxide Heterostructural Nanocrystals Anchored on g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> Nanosheets for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photo-Fenton-like Catalysis
The development of efficient and sustainable photocatalysts for wastewater treatment remains a critical challenge in environmental remediation. In this study, a ternary photocatalyst, Cu-Cu<sub>2</sub>O/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, was synthesized by embedding co...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Molecules |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/1/144 |
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| Summary: | The development of efficient and sustainable photocatalysts for wastewater treatment remains a critical challenge in environmental remediation. In this study, a ternary photocatalyst, Cu-Cu<sub>2</sub>O/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, was synthesized by embedding copper-copper oxide heterostructural nanocrystals onto g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> nanosheets via a simple deposition method. Structural and optical characterization confirmed the successful formation of the heterostructure, which combines the narrow bandgap of Cu<sub>2</sub>O, the high stability of g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Cu nanoparticles. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated through the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in a photo-Fenton-like reaction system under visible light irradiation. Among the catalysts tested, the 30 wt% Cu-Cu<sub>2</sub>O/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> composite exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency, achieving a reaction rate constant approximately 3 times and 1.5 times higher than those of Cu-Cu<sub>2</sub>O and g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, respectively. Mechanistic studies suggest that the heterostructure facilitates efficient charge separation and promotes the reduction of Cu<sup>2+</sup> to Cu<sup>+</sup>, thereby enhancing ∙OH radical generation. The catalyst also demonstrated excellent stability and reusability across a wide pH range. These findings provide a new strategy for designing highly efficient photocatalysts for organic pollutant degradation, contributing to the advancement of advanced oxidation processes for environmental applications. |
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| ISSN: | 1420-3049 |