Facile synthesis of visible-light-driven Cu2O/BiVO4 composites for the photomineralization of recalcitrant pesticides

Cu2O/BiVO4 composites with different Cu2O co-catalysts were synthesized by a simple impregnation method at 200 �C for 4 h under N2 atmosphere. The Cu2O powder was obtained through the chemical reduction of copper sulfate using different reducing reagents such as ascorbic acid, glucose or fructose. T...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Aguilera Ruiz, Eduardo, De La Garza Galván, María de Jesús, Zambrano Robledo, Patricia del Carmen, Ballesteros Pacheco, Juan Carlos, Vázquez Arenas, J., Peral, J., García Pérez, Ulises Matías
Formato: Artículo
Lenguaje:inglés
Publicado: 2017
Materias:
Acceso en línea:http://eprints.uanl.mx/18212/1/503.pdf
Descripción
Sumario:Cu2O/BiVO4 composites with different Cu2O co-catalysts were synthesized by a simple impregnation method at 200 �C for 4 h under N2 atmosphere. The Cu2O powder was obtained through the chemical reduction of copper sulfate using different reducing reagents such as ascorbic acid, glucose or fructose. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, UV-vis diffuse reflection absorption and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The photoactivities of the Cu2O/BiVO4 composites were evaluated in terms of the mineralization of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) in aqueous solutions under visible-light irradiation. The role of experimental variables including the preparation method of the co-catalyst, catalyst concentration, and 4-chlorophenol initial concentration in the photocatalytic performance of Cu2O/BiVO4 catalysts was analyzed. Likewise, the viability to recover and reuse these photocatalysts was also tested. It was found that the complete abatement of 4-CP led to the formation of chlorocatechol (4-CC) without concomitantly involving the formation pathway of hydroquinone/p-benzoquinone, 4-CC was identified in the light of experimental evidence (UV-vis) and spectral simulation done by using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) with the polarized continuum model.