Nanostructure Cu–Zn mixed-oxide supported photocatalyst fabricated by impregnation method for the photocatalytic degradation of C.I. Reactive Orange 16 (V3R) in water

Abstract Nanostructure Cu–Zn mixed-oxide (CZMO) have been prepared by an impregnation method using copper nitrate and zinc oxide tetrapod precursors. X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize the structural of CZMO. The XRD patterns confirmed metal oxides formation and their good crystallinity. In agreement with XRD results, FESEM images also illustrated nanosized particles with an average nanocrystallite size of 33 nm. The photocatalytic activity of CZMO was studied using the photocatalytic decolorization of C.I. Reactive Orange 16 (V3R) in aqueous environment. The results indicated that the CZMO display good photocatalytic efficiency. The related photocatalytic mechanism was discussed based on the coupling of zinc–copper oxide.