Structural, Optical and Photocatalytic Properties of MgO/CuO Nanocomposite Prepared by a Solution Combustion Method. (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kulkarni, Jeetendra; Ravishankar, R.; Nagabhushana, H.; Anantharaju, K.S.; Basavaraj, R.B.; Sangeeta, M.; Nagaswarupa, H.P.; L. Renuka,
• Is Part Of: Materials today. Volume 4:Number 11(2017)Part 3
• Page Start: 11756
• Page End: 11763
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: Solution combustion -- MgO/CuO -- UV-DRS -- SEM -- EIS -- Photocatalytic study; Materials science -- Congresses -- Periodicals; 620.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2017.09.092
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-7853

Abstract

Abstract: A simple solution combustion technique was used to synthesize the pure MgO, pure CuO NPs and MgO/CuO (1:1) nanocomposite using urea as fuel. The Obtained samples were characterized by XRD, SEM FTIR, UV-DRSand EIS analysis. The XRD results revealed the formation of pure MgO with cubic structure, CuO with monoclinic structure and MgO/CuO (1:1) with mixed phase of MgO and CuO respectively. The crystallite size is found to vary from ∼10-29 nm. The optical studies confirmed that band gap value decreased from 5.9 to 2.13 eV for pure MgO NPs and MgO/CuO (1:1) nanocomposite respectively. The SEM analysis for prepared samples indicated the formation of agglomerations with porous structures. The photocatalytic activities of prepared samples were evaluated for decomposition of Methylene Blue (MB) dye in presence of visible light. The MgO/CuO (1:1) nanocomposite showed highest photocatalytic activity towards decolorization of MB dye for the duration of 60 minutes at ambient conditions.