Photodegradation of p-nitrophenol using octahedral Cu2O particles immobilized on a solid support under a tungsten halogen lamp

Octahedral Cu2O particles were prepared on an indium-tin oxide glass via electrodeposition and were employed in the catalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol in the presence of H2O2. Under irradiation of a warm visible-light source, tungsten halogen lamp, Cu2O particles not only acted as a photocatalyst, but might also act as a thermal-catalyst to induce the decomposition of H2O2 and produce O2 at higher temperatures. The photogenerated electrons and holes could react with H2O2, O2, and H2O to produce abundant OH radicals, resulting in the effective oxidation of p-nitrophenol. High-performance liquid chromatography measurements of degradation intermediates showed that p-nitrophenol was first decomposed into hydroquinone and benzoquinone and then mineralized. The degradation efficiency was dependent on electrodeposition time, light intensity, H2O2 amount, and solution temperature. This catalyst could be easily recycled and used in the efficient degradation of other phenolic compounds.

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► Octahedral Cu2O particles on ITO glass were used in photodegradation of pollutants.
► They showed high abilities in degradation of p-nitrophenol in the presence of H2O2.
► The light, the Cu2O particle and the added H2O2 all acted dual roles.
► Such particles could be easily recycled with steady high activity.
► The particles could be used in degradation of other phenolic pollutants.