Synthesis of cuprous oxide via ion exchange route for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using cupric hydroxide gel as a precursor and glucose as a reductant. A well-dispersed cupric hydroxide gel was prepared by treatment of aqueous cuprous chloride with anion exchange resin. The average diameter of the Cu2O nanoparticles was 780 nm. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that polyethylene from the anion exchange resin was present in the Cu2O powder, explaining how the ion exchange route reduces agglomeration of the Cu2O nanoparticles. Addition of hydrogen peroxide during the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue significantly reduced photocorrosion of the Cu2O nanoparticles. The mechanism by which hydrogen peroxide participates in the photocatalytic process and inhibits photocorrosion was investigated. HIGHLIGHTS Cuprous oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via ion exchange route.; Polyethylene in the ion exchange resin modifies the cuprous oxide nanoparticles and reduces agglomeration.; The cuprous oxide was used for photocatalytic detoxification of methylene blue-contaminated water under visible light irradiation.;

Keywords

• cuprous oxide
• ion exchange resin
• methylene blue
• photocorrosion