DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v27i3.314

Keywords: CuO nanoparticles; Syzygium cumini; 4-nitrophenol; photodegradation; methylene blue

Abstract

A sustainable and green synthesis of Copper Oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are developed using aqueous leaf extract of Syzygium cumini. The optical, structural and morphological properties of the nanoparticles were analyzed using various spectral and microscopic techniques. Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes utilizing CuO NPs as photo-catalyst has been investigated under visible light irradiation in aqueous solutions. The CuO nanoparticles exhibit excellent photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, achieving a 98% degradation after 60 minutes under artificial light irradiation. These CuO nanoparticles demonstrate efficient photocatalytic activity, making them highly beneficial for water purification and other environmentally sustainable applications. CuO NPs serve as highly effective heterogeneous catalysts for the degradation of methylene blue dye. The change in λmax values and the evolution of oxygen gas indicated that the dye could be efficiently degraded by the photocatalyst without producing any hazardous waste. Additionally, the catalytic performance of the nanoparticles was assessed through the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional catalytic performance by efficiently converting 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in just 5 minutes, highlighting its remarkable effectiveness.