Photoactive Cuo-Tio2 Composites for Dye Degradation Under Visible Light

Abstract

This study demonstrates the enhanced photocatalytic efficacy of CuO-TiO₂ composites for large-scale applications in the remediation of water contaminants. CuO-TiO₂ composites were synthesized by sol-gel precipitating method with 1:2 volume ratio and examined the photocatalytic activity of synthesized nanomaterials. XRD patterns showed tenorite and anatase phases for CuO and TiO₂ respectively, however a mixed structure was observed for CuO-TiO₂. The optical bandgaps were found between 1.7 and 3.25 eV for the CuO, TiO₂ and CuO-TiO₂. The CuO-TiO₂ (1:2) was found suitable for the degradation of methyl blue (MB) dye under irradation. The low recombination rates and boosted charge separation were accountable to improve the performance of the photocatalic activity in visible light. The photodegradation was improved substantially from CuO to CuO-TiO₂ (1:2) for MB dye.