Green Synthesis of Immobilized CuO Photocatalyst for Disinfection of Water

Lev Matoh (), Boštjan Žener and Boštjan Genorio
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Lev Matoh: Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Boštjan Žener: Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Boštjan Genorio: Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 17, 1-10

Abstract: A green method for depositing a CuO layer with good adhesion and a large surface area on a support of activated alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) was evaluated. The relatively simple method consists of adsorption of a copper salt on the surface of Al 2 O 3 , formation of Cu(OH) 2 , and subsequent decomposition of the hydroxide to CuO. The XRD confirmed that the deposited photocatalyst crystalized at low temperatures (80 °C). Furthermore, BET measurements show a surface area of about 90 m 2 /g. The large surface area is the result of the speed of the conversion and decomposition reactions. The photokilling properties of the prepared photocatalyst were evaluated using E. coli cells and the leaching of copper ions was determined using ICP-MS. The photocatalytic efficiency was also evaluated by the degradation of an organic azo dye. The prepared photocatalyst shows good activity in the purification and disinfection of treated water. The described method is economical, fast, and can be considered green, since the only byproducts are water and NaCl.

Keywords: CuO; disinfection; visible light photocatalyst; Al 2 O 3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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