Investigation on novel Cu2O modified g-C3N4/ZnO heterostructures for efficient photocatalytic dye degradation performance under visible-light exposure

Highly efficient recyclable photocatalysts of ternary g-C 3 N 4 -ZnO/Cu 2 O nanocomposite were designed for photo-degradation RhB dye. The structural, morphological, surface structure and optical properties the as-prepared nanocomposites (NCs) characterized by XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM with EDS, HRTEM, XPS, BET, UV–Vis DRS PL spectra analysis respectively. efficiencies dye over , /ZnO, /Cu (PCs) 36.4%, 53% 66%, 91.4% in 100 min under visible-light. as-obtained PCs was remarkably upgraded efficiency rate than to other samples. Also, heterojunction formation among ZnO/Cu interfaces due development visible-light absorption capability photo-excited charge separation which improved photocatalytic performance. Besides, exhibit a greater performance after five successive reuses. Hence, eco-friendly might be widely useful application polluted wastewater treatment. • /ZnO/Cu composite effectively fabricated hydrothermal preparation way. Catalyst exhibits excellent degradation high absorption. Effective transfer/separation restrain recombination rate. catalyst display reusability practical application. Photocatalytic mechanism transfer pathway elucidated systemically.