A novel preparation of visible light driven Durio zibethinus shell ash supported CuO nanocomposite for the photocatalytic degradation of acid dye

Abstract In this work, a novel Durio zibethinus shell ash (DSA) supported copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized via a single-step hydrothermal method. The resulting visible light responsive nanocomposite was subjected to the Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Photoluminescence (PL), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis. The major preparation and operational parameters, including the ash impregnation ratio, catalyst loadings, initial dye concentration, irradiation time and solution pH on the photoreaction were examined. Morphological study revealed that DSA served as an excellent supporting surface for the CuO nanoparticles to offer the synergistic adsorption–photodegradation reaction, verified by the rising porosity, and changing bandgap energy and surface functionalities. A complete degradation of Acid Red 88 with the high concentration of 500 mg/L was achieved within 2 h. Reusability test ascertained the high durability of the nanocomposite, with greater than 95% of decolourization efficiency even after five regeneration cycles. This study provides a new insight for the design of a low cost, eco-friendly and visible light driven photocatalyst, and innovative conversion of Durio zibethinus shell ash into a highly valuable nanocomposite for the effective purification of water contaminants.