Photocatalytic Performance of Carbon-Containing CuMo-Based Catalysts under Sunlight Illumination

Carbon-doped nanostructured CuMo-based photocatalysts were prepared by solvothermal synthesis. Two thermal treatments—oxidative and inert atmosphere—were used for the synthesis of catalysts, influence spherical carbon structures upon crystalline phases on photocatalytic activity stability was studied. XRD showed catalysts are composed a mixture copper (Cu, Cu2O, CuO) molybdenum (MoO2 MoO3) phases. The degradation yellow 5 under solar light. A remarkable leaching Mo both in dark irradiation observed quantified. This phenomenon responsible loss dye Mo-containing series. Conversely, Cu-based stable, with no after 6 h higher conversion compared Mo- CuMo attributed to protective effect formed during Regarding catalysts’ composition, sample Cu4-800-N2 pyrolysis exhibited up 4.4 times photoactivity than that pristine material, which is combined an enhanced surface area micropore volume generated pyrolytic treatment due presence component catalyst. Scavenger tests have revealed mechanism tartrazine irradiated involves successive attacks •OH radicals.