Investigation of photodegradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on Cu₂O/g-C₃N₄ catalysts

Abstract

The series x% (wt) Cu2O/g-C3N4 composites were prepared by the conventional impregnation method. These compounds were characterized by different methods such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), and Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The results clearly showed the existence of Cu2O and g-C3N4 phases. The photocatalytic activity was estimated by the degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The 5% Cu2O/g-C3N4 catalyst showed the highest activity, with the photodegradation yield reached 7,3%. The addition of H2O2 remarkably improved the yield, with 98,5% attained after 1 hour of irradiation.