2D CuO/rGO nanocomposite: a novel architecture for enhanced Cr(VI) photo-reduction
Abstract The urgent need for efficient detoxification of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in aquatic environments has driven the development of advanced photocatalytic materials. This study presents the synthesis of 2D CuO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite via probe sonication, des...
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BMC
2025-06-01
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| Series: | BMC Chemistry |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-025-01482-6 |
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| author | Islam Gomaa Ahmed Helal Medhat A. Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Hosny |
| author_facet | Islam Gomaa Ahmed Helal Medhat A. Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Hosny |
| author_sort | Islam Gomaa |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract The urgent need for efficient detoxification of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in aquatic environments has driven the development of advanced photocatalytic materials. This study presents the synthesis of 2D CuO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite via probe sonication, designed to synergistically enhance the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III). The nanocomposite was meticulously characterized using XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, XPS, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of CuO nanosheets (average size: 396 nm, thickness: 6 nm) integrated with rGO, where the rGO acted as an electron acceptor, mitigating charge recombination. XPS revealed Cu²⁺ in CuO and Cu(OH)₂ phases, while FTIR confirmed interfacial interactions between CuO and rGO via oxygen functional groups. The CuO/rGO composite exhibited a reduced bandgap (1.35 eV → lower with rGO incorporation) and broad visible-light absorption, critical for photocatalytic activity. Under visible light, the composite achieved a remarkable 75% Cr(VI) reduction efficiency within 180 min triple that of pure CuO (25%) with a rate constant (0.007 min⁻¹) sevenfold higher. This enhancement is attributed to rGO role in facilitating electron transfer from CuO conduction band to its LUMO, minimizing electron-hole recombination. The composite demonstrated excellent recyclability over three cycles without significant efficiency loss. These findings underscore the potential of CuO/rGO as a robust, sustainable photocatalyst for environmental. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6b0cfb4aaa3a4f5b8f378e5feded4698 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2661-801X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
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| series | BMC Chemistry |
| spelling | doaj-art-6b0cfb4aaa3a4f5b8f378e5feded46982025-08-20T03:22:46ZengBMCBMC Chemistry2661-801X2025-06-0119111610.1186/s13065-025-01482-62D CuO/rGO nanocomposite: a novel architecture for enhanced Cr(VI) photo-reductionIslam Gomaa0Ahmed Helal1Medhat A. Ibrahim2Nasser Mohammed Hosny3Nanotechnology Research Centre (NTRC),The British University in Egypt (BUE)Nanostructured Materials and Nanotechnology Division, Central Metallurgical Research and Development InstituteSpectroscopy Department, National Research CentreChemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said UniversityAbstract The urgent need for efficient detoxification of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in aquatic environments has driven the development of advanced photocatalytic materials. This study presents the synthesis of 2D CuO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite via probe sonication, designed to synergistically enhance the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III). The nanocomposite was meticulously characterized using XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, XPS, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of CuO nanosheets (average size: 396 nm, thickness: 6 nm) integrated with rGO, where the rGO acted as an electron acceptor, mitigating charge recombination. XPS revealed Cu²⁺ in CuO and Cu(OH)₂ phases, while FTIR confirmed interfacial interactions between CuO and rGO via oxygen functional groups. The CuO/rGO composite exhibited a reduced bandgap (1.35 eV → lower with rGO incorporation) and broad visible-light absorption, critical for photocatalytic activity. Under visible light, the composite achieved a remarkable 75% Cr(VI) reduction efficiency within 180 min triple that of pure CuO (25%) with a rate constant (0.007 min⁻¹) sevenfold higher. This enhancement is attributed to rGO role in facilitating electron transfer from CuO conduction band to its LUMO, minimizing electron-hole recombination. The composite demonstrated excellent recyclability over three cycles without significant efficiency loss. These findings underscore the potential of CuO/rGO as a robust, sustainable photocatalyst for environmental.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-025-01482-62D nanocompositeCuO nanosheetsGrapheneChromium (VI) reduction |
| spellingShingle | Islam Gomaa Ahmed Helal Medhat A. Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Hosny 2D CuO/rGO nanocomposite: a novel architecture for enhanced Cr(VI) photo-reduction BMC Chemistry 2D nanocomposite CuO nanosheets Graphene Chromium (VI) reduction |
| title | 2D CuO/rGO nanocomposite: a novel architecture for enhanced Cr(VI) photo-reduction |
| title_full | 2D CuO/rGO nanocomposite: a novel architecture for enhanced Cr(VI) photo-reduction |
| title_fullStr | 2D CuO/rGO nanocomposite: a novel architecture for enhanced Cr(VI) photo-reduction |
| title_full_unstemmed | 2D CuO/rGO nanocomposite: a novel architecture for enhanced Cr(VI) photo-reduction |
| title_short | 2D CuO/rGO nanocomposite: a novel architecture for enhanced Cr(VI) photo-reduction |
| title_sort | 2d cuo rgo nanocomposite a novel architecture for enhanced cr vi photo reduction |
| topic | 2D nanocomposite CuO nanosheets Graphene Chromium (VI) reduction |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-025-01482-6 |
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