Abstract
The removal of herbicides from water by photocatalysis is essential for environmental remediation. Moreover, optimization of ecofriendly photocatalysts is an alternative approach. Here, we synthesized Cu2O nanoparticles utilizing a sol-gel technique, which were subsequently loaded with Cu nanoparticles to form Cu@Cu2O by simple photoassisted deposition with different Cu contents. The prepared nanostructures showed an increase in light absorption at longer wavelengths and a reduction in the bandgap from 2.08 eV in pure Cu2O to 1.95 eV in 15% Cu-loaded Cu2O. The photoluminescence and photocurrent experiments suggest the lowest recombination of photoinduced charges through optimizing the Cu content. The amended Cu@Cu2O led to the complete photodestruction of atrazine, a commonly applied triazine herbicide, after 30 min of visible light exposure with outstanding durability.
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•Cu-supported Cu2O nanoparticles prepared by a simple route.•Cu improved structural and surface texture of the Cu2O.•Photodeposited Cu boosts visible light absorption and sinks the photoexcited electrons.•Optimized Cu–Cu2O showed 100% destruction of atrazine after 30 min light.•Invented photocatalyst display outstanding recyclability for water remediation.