Abstract
In this study, Cu-doped ZnO NPs (xCZO) were formed by the coprecipitation route by changing the concentration of dopant Cu from 0 to 24% (w/w). Cu-doped ZnO nanocomposite with polyacrylamide microgel (PAM) was formed by incorporating xCZO NPs into the PAM microgel. The xCZO NP and xCZO/PAM nanocomposites were used for methyl blue (MB) dye degradation and disinfection under solar light. Among the xCZO NPs, 18% Cu-doped ZnO (18CZO) showed excellent MB degradation under solar light. So, 18CZO NPs were used for the formation of nanocomposite with PAM microgel which further enhanced the dye degradation rate due to high surface area and PAM microgel adsorption ability. 18CZO/PAM nanocomposite showed good cyclic stability, checked up to 5 cycles.