Exploring the influence of Sr concentration on the structural and catalytic properties of CuO/SrSO4 nanocomposites for organic dye degradation

• Published in: The Journal of physics and chemistry of solids 2024-12, Vol.195, p.112299, Article 112299
• Main Authors: Touahri, Souad, Halimi, Ouahiba, Zaabat, Mourad, Mammeri, Sabah, Boudine, Boubekeur, Sebais, Miloud, Tahraoui, Hichem, Zhang, Jie, Amrane, Abdeltif
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalytic activity; Chemical Sciences; CuO and CuO/SrSO4 nanoparticles; Hydrothermal synthesis; Methylene blue; SO42− sulfate ion poisoning effect
• ISSN: 0022-3697
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpcs.2024.112299

Pure CuO and CuO/SrSO4 nanocomposites were synthesized via the hydrothermal method to explore their catalytic efficacy in degrading methylene blue (MB). CuSO4·5H2O, NaOH, and SrCl2·6H2O were used as primary reagents. XRD characterization unveiled the monoclinic structure (C2/c) of pure CuO NPs, exhibiting well-defined crystallinity with crystallite sizes ranging from 9.64 to 26.08 nm. Notably, samples with Sr concentrations exceeding 2 wt% exhibited a secondary SrSO4 phase with an orthorhombic structure (Pnma). Infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirmed Cu–O, S–O, and Sr–O bond vibrations, validating CuO and SrSO4 synthesis. SEM micrographs depicted irregular platelet-like morphology with a surface area of up to 0.061 μm2 and nanometric thickness for pure CuO NPs, while this morphology varied for CuO/SrSO4 nanocomposites. BET analysis revealed a relatively large specific surface area (9.04–15.12 m2/g), potentially advantageous for catalytic activity. Catalytic degradation of MB in aqueous solution by pure CuO NPs exhibited limited efficiency (19.77 % in 60 min), markedly enhanced to 100 % in 40 min with the addition of H2O2. Despite H2O2 presence, CuO/SrSO4 nanocomposites showed lower MB degradation efficiency due to sulfate SO42− ion poisoning. Monitoring the formation of SrSO4 phase is a synthesis strategy to adjust the poisoning effect by sulfate ions. The sample with a Sr concentration of 6 wt% demonstrated the highest degradation rate (83.78 % in 40 min), attributed to its larger specific surface area. Furthermore, synthesized materials displayed satisfactory catalytic stability upon recycling for MB degradation. •Hydrothermal synthesis of platelet-like CuO NPs.•Hydrothermal synthesis of CuO/SrSO4 Nanocomposites.•Effect of SO42− sulfate ion poisoning on the catalytic degradation of Methylene Blue.•Reduction of the sulfate SO42− ions poisoning by formation of SrSO4 phase.•Controlling SrSO4 phase formation tailors SO42− ion poisoning in catalytic reactions.