Work

Efficient sunlight-driven degradation of methylene blue using hydrothermally synthesized copper oxide/zinc oxide hybrid composites

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study introduces a method for efficiently degrading methylene blue (MB) using sunlight and hydrothermally synthesized copper oxide (CuO) and CuO/ZnO hybrid composites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of monoclinic CuO and hexagonal ZnO phases, verifying successful composite formation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed spherical morphologies for the CuO/ZnO composites, indicating a controlled synthesis process. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) mapping showed balanced CuO and ZnO incorporation. BET surface area analysis indicated increased surface area for CuO/ZnO composites due to synergistic effects. Photocatalytic tests demonstrated that CuO/ZnO hybrids outperformed pure CuO, with enhanced degradation efficiency, narrower UV absorption peaks, and reduced band gap energy. The CuO/ZnO composites with a 30:50 ratio showed the highest degradation efficiency, emphasizing the significance of composition in photocatalytic performance. These results highlight the potential of CuO/ZnO hybrids for environmental remediation.

Source: Next Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.101128

Authors: Gudiguntla Ravi, Niranjan Patra, Ştefan Ţălu

Institutions: Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,280