A type of binary composite catalyst CuTNPc/ZnO for synergistic photocatalytic degradation of dyes

The nitrocopper phthalocyanine-loaded zinc oxide nanocomposites (CuTNPc/ZnO) were synthesized using the impregnated method. Subsequently, they were systematically characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 adsorption-desorption. The synthesized catalysts were applied to the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye under visible light, and it was discovered that after 150 min of visible light exposure, the composite CuTNPc/ZnO-0.5 exhibited the best degradation. The synthesized CuTNPc/ZnO composites significantly enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue with an efficiency of 88.97% compared to CuTNPc or ZnO, respectively. The synergistic effect of CuTNPc and ZnO improved the efficiency of light utilization. The catalytic activity of the central ions and the large specific surface area of the composites accelerated the charge transport and reduced the charge complexation. The potential of nanocomposites CuTNPc/ZnO-0.5 in the area of industrial waste dye degradation is thus confirmed by this investigation. A new strategy for photocatalytic degradation was provided by preparing ZnO-based composite catalysts.