Preparation of Ni(OH)2/CuO heterostructures for improved photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and microorganism. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cho, Er-Chieh; Chang-Jian, Cai-Wan; Huang, Jen-Hsien; Huang, Tzu-Yen; Wu, Nian-Jheng; Li, Man-Tzu; Chen, Yi-Lun; Hsu, Shih-Chieh; Weng, Huei Chu; Lee, Kuen-Chan
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 300(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Photocatalyst -- Ni(OH)2 -- CuO -- Heterojunction -- Microorganism; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134484
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, the Ni(OH)2 /CuO heterostructured photocatalysts have been prepared via microwave (MW) hydrothermal method. The results indicate that the Ni(OH)2 /CuO heterostructured composite exhibits a strong absorption in the UV and Vis regions. The construction of the heterojunction also improves the photogenerated carrier transport and inhibits the electron–hole separation due to the enhanced absorbance and the well alignment of the energy band at the Ni(OH)2 /CuO interface. The photocatalytic capability of the heterostructured composites with different Ni(OH)2 /CuO molar ratios is evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light illumination. The results reveal that the Ni(OH)2 /CuO (1:1) heterostructures show the best photocatalytic efficiency, which is 2.18 and 6.13 times higher than that of pure Ni(OH)2 and CuO, respectively. Besides, the Ni(OH)2 /CuO composites also reveal remarkable biocompatibility and strong photocatalytic activity in the degradation of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tetracycline (TC) and inactivation of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ). Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: The Ni(OH)2 /CuO composites have been prepared via microwave-hydrothermal method. The well band alignment at the Ni(OH)2 /CuO interface can enhance the charge separation. The results reveal that the Ni(OH)2 /CuO (1:1) shows the best photocatalytic efficiency. The composites also show excellent biocompatibility and efficient inactivation of E. coli .