Journal Article

Novel CuO–SiO2 nanocomposites: synthesis, kinetics, recyclability, high stability and photocatalytic efficiency for Rose Bengal dye removal

Gharbi, Ahlam Hacine, Abdullah, Johar Amin Ahmed, Zeghoud, Soumeia, Hemmami, Hadia, Bouafia, Abderrhmane, Ben Amor, Ilham, Laouini, Salah Eddine, Ben Amor, Asma, Alharthi, Fahad, Gherbi, Mohammed Taher

2024

Overview

A novel CuO–SiO 2 nanoadsorbent, incorporating copper oxide (CuO) and silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), has been successfully synthesized using three distinct preparation processes: Mode-A (solution and solution), Mode-B (solution and nanoparticles), and Mode-C (nanoparticles and nanoparticles). The investigation focuses on evaluating the efficiency of the CuO–SiO 2 nanoadsorbent, considering its synthesis process, reusability, and sustained performance over time, particularly in the removal of Rose Bengal dye. Characterization results revealed the formation of CuO–SiO 2 nanocomposites structure irregular shapes morphology across all three-preparation processes. The average particle sizes for Mode-A, Mode-B, and Mode-C nanocomposites were determined as 18.1 nm, 15.6 nm, and 14.8 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the band gap energies of the CuO–SiO 2 nanocomposites were measured at 2.2 eV, 1.8 eV, and 3.29 eV for Mode-A, Mode-B, and Mode-C, respectively. Remarkably, the CuO–SiO 2 nanocomposite prepared using Mode-B demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity in degrading the anionic dye Rose Bengal, achieving a degradation coefficient of 84.8%. In comparison, CuO NPs, tested under the same experimental conditions (120 min contact time, pH = 7, temperature of 25 °C, and solar light irradiation), achieved a degradation coefficient of 78.8%. These findings highlight the potential of the CuO–SiO 2 nanoadsorbent, particularly when synthesized via Mode-B, for effective and environmentally friendly dye degradation applications.

• Publisher: Springer International Publishing,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adsorption / Catalysis / Catalytic activity / Chemicals / Chemistry / Chemistry and Materials Science / Copper / Copper oxides / Costs / Dyes / Effluents / Inorganic Chemistry / Leaves / Light irradiation / Materials science / Nanocomposites / Nanoparticles / Organometallic Chemistry / Oxidation / Photocatalysis / Photodegradation / Physical Chemistry / Pollutants / Recyclability / Silicon dioxide / Synthesis / Textile industry / Toxicity