CuO-TiO2–Saponite Ternary Nanocomposite for Efficient Removal of Bromocresol Green Dye
Pollyana Trigueiro, Willams A. Albuquerque, Aimée G. Jerônimo, Monica Sá Rodrigues, E.L.T. França, R. Peña‐Garcia
Abstract
This study presents the synthesis of a CuO-TiO2–saponite ternary nanocomposite via a hydrothermal method, designed to efficiently remove bromocresol green dye. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, confirmed significant interactions between metal oxide nanoparticles and the clay mineral matrix. Diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence analyses revealed a narrow band gap and surface defects, such as oxygen vacancies, enhancing the material’s photocatalytic properties. Under UV irradiation, the nanocomposite achieved 83% discoloration of bromocresol green dye within 150 min. The inhibitor studies identified hydroxyl and superoxide radicals as key species in the degradation mechanism. This work underscores the potential of clay-mineral-based nanocomposites, where clay minerals function both as structural support and as enhancers of the semiconductor’s photocatalytic activity.