Synthesis nano-sized copper oxides as nanophotocatalyst in the degradation of organic dyes

Nano-sized copper oxide powder with average crystallite sizes 20-65 nm was prepared by solgel, coprecipitation and reflux techniques. The synthesized powders were characterized by XRD analysis technique, IR and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The prepared powders were tested as catalysts for the photocatalytic decomposition of rhodamine B, malachite green, red-14, orange-7. The effect of crystal size of copper oxides on the rate of decomposition of organic dye was investigated in visible light in the absence of UV radiation.

Keywords:

degradation , nano-sized copper oxides , photocatalys , SEM