Highly efficient sunlight-powered photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B using Cu2Cr-LDH/TiO2 and Cu2Cr-LDH/BiOCl semiconductor nanocomposites

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Applications (LCMIA), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M. B), Oran, Algeria

2 GP1/Z Complex, Liquefaction and Separation Division (LQS), Sonatrach, Béthioua, Oran, Algeria

3 Higher School of Applied Sciences of Tlemcen (ESSA-Tlemcen), Tlemcen, Algeria

4 Laboratory of Materials Chemistry (LCM), University of Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Oran, Algeria

Abstract

This study explores the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under sunlight irradiation using Cu2Cr-LDH/BiOCl and Cu2Cr-LDH/TiO2 nanocomposites. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of the materials were thoroughly examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The primary objective was to assess the photocatalytic efficiency of these nanocomposites in degrading RhB dye under sunlight. The Cu2Cr-LDH/BiOCl nanocomposite exhibited superior photocatalytic performance, achieving 90.29 % RhB degradation, significantly outperforming Cu2Cr-LDH/TiO2 (56.45%) and pure Cu2Cr-LDH (31.36%). This enhanced efficiency is attributed to the formation of a heterojunction between Cu2Cr-LDH and BiOCl, which facilitates effective separation and transfer of charge carriers. The improved photocatalytic activity is primarily attributed to the well-dispersed BiOCl phase on the Cu₂Cr-LDH surface, demonstrating that interfacial architecture plays a more critical role than simply increasing the Bi or Ti content. Hydroxyl radicals and holes were determined to be the primary active species responsible for the degradation process. Additionally, both nanocomposites demonstrated remarkable stability and reusability, retaining high catalytic efficiency over four consecutive cycles. A detailed photocatalytic mechanism was proposed to explain the enhanced activity of the nanocomposites, highlighting the synergistic effects of the heterojunction structure and efficient charge carrier dynamics.

Graphical Abstract

Highly efficient sunlight-powered photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B using Cu2Cr-LDH/TiO2 and Cu2Cr-LDH/BiOCl semiconductor nanocomposites

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

[1] Dutta, S., Adhikary, S., Bhattacharya, S., Roy, D., Chatterjee, S., Chakraborty, A., et al. (2024). Contamination of textile dyes in aquatic environment: Adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystem and human health, and its management using bioremediation. J. Environ. Manage., 353, 120103.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120103
[2] Delcy, V. R., Naidu, S. M., Srihari, G., Umadevi, V., Balamurugan, K. S., Golkonda, S. R., et al. (2024). Influence of gadolinium substitution on the crystal structure of NiO and its maximized photocatalytic degradation activity on tetracycline and direct yellow pollutants. Phys. B Condens. Matter, 695, 416546.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2024.416546
[3] Olatunde, O. C., Sawunyama, L., Yusuf, T. L., & Onwudiwe, D. C. (2024). Visible light driven CuBi2O4 heterostructures and their enhanced photocatalytic activity for pollutant degradation: A review. J. Water Process Eng., 66, 105890.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.105890
[4] Peng, H., Ji, C., Yang, R., L. Dong, & Zheng, X. (2024). LaFeO3/MgFe2O4 hybrids for boosting the solar-light photocatalytic persulfate oxidation of tetracycline hydrochloride. Colloids Surf. A Physicochem. Eng. Asp., 696, 134340.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2024.134340
[5] Perumal, V., Uthrakumar, R., Chinnathambi, M., Inmozhi, C., Robert, R., Rajasaravanan, M. E., et al. (2023). Electron-hole recombination effect of SnO2-CuO nanocomposite for improving methylene blue photocatalytic activity in wastewater treatment under visible light. J. King Saud Univ. Sci., 35(1), 102388.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2022.102388
[6] Wang, J., Wei, Y., Yang, B., Wang, B., Chen, J., & Jing, H. (2019). In situ grown heterojunction of Bi2WO6/BiOCl for efficient photoelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction. J. Catal., 377, 209–217.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2019.06.007
[7] Sangeetha, M., Kalpana, S., Senthilkumar, N., & Senthil, T. S. (2024). Investigation on visible-light induced photocatalytic activity for pure, Ce:doped TiO2 and B:Ce co-doped TiO2 catalysts. Optik, 301, 171687.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijleo.2024.171687
[8] Li, W., Tian, Y., Li, H., C. Zhao, B. Zhang, Zhang, H., et al. (2016). Novel BiOCl/TiO2 hierarchical composites: Synthesis, characterization and application on photocatalysis. Appl. Catal. A Gen., 516, 81–89.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2016.02.006
[9] Kavitha, S., Jayamani, N., & Barathi, D. (2021). Investigation on SnO2/TiO2 nanocomposites and their enhanced photocatalytic properties for the degradation of methylene blue under solar light irradiation. Bull. Mater. Sci., 44(1), 48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12034-020-02291-4
[10] Zulkiflee, A., Khan, M. M., Khan, A., Khan, M. Y., Dafalla, H. D. M., & Harunsani, M. H. (2023). Sn-doped BiOCl for photoelectrochemical activities and photocatalytic dye degradation under visible light. Heliyon, 9(11), e21270.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21270
[11] Xie, T., Sun, S., Xu, J., Luo, Y., & Cui, J. (2022). Purposefully designing Co-S-codoping in hierarchical BiOCl architectures and elucidating the mechanism for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity. Appl. Surf. Sci., 604, 154582.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2022.154582
[12] Ma, J., Ding, J., Yu, L., Li, L., Kong, Y., & Komarneni, S. (2015). BiOCl dispersed on NiFe–LDH leads to enhanced photo-degradation of Rhodamine B dye. Appl. Clay Sci., 109-110, 76–82.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2015.02.009
[13] Ali, B., Naceur, B., Abdelkader, E., Karima, E., & Nourredine, B. (2020). Competitive adsorption of binary dye from aqueous solutions using calcined layered double hydroxides. Int. J. Environ. Anal. Chem., 1–20.
https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2020.1766035
[14] Riaz, S., Rehman, A., Akhter, Z., Najam, T., Hossain, I., Karim, M. R., et al. (2024). Recent advancement in synthesis and applications of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) composites. Mater. Today Sustain., 27, 100897.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtsust.2024.100897
[15] Wu, Y., Wang, H., Sun, Y., Xiao, T., Wu, T., Yuan, X., et al. (2018). Photogenerated charge transfer via interfacial internal electric field for significantly improved photocatalysis in direct Z-scheme oxygen-doped carbon nitrogen/CoAl-layered double hydroxide heterojunction. Appl. Catal. B Environ., 227, 530–540.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2018.01.069
[16] Vennapoosa, C. S., Shelake, S. P., Jaksani, B., Jamma, A., Abraham, B. M., Sainath, A. V. S., et al. (2024). Surface engineering of a 2D CuFe-LDH/MoS2 photocatalyst for improved hydrogen generation. Mater. Adv., 5(10), 4159–4171.
https://doi.org/10.1039/d3ma00881a
[17] He, Y., Zhou, S., Wang, Y., Jiang, G., & Jiao, F. (2021). Fabrication of g-C3N4@NiFe-LDH heterostructured nanocomposites for highly efficient photocatalytic removal of rhodamine B. J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Electron., 32(17), 21880–21896.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-021-06532-y
[18] Dinari, M., Mohsen Momeni, M., Bozorgmehr, Z., & Karimi, S. (2016). Bismuth-containing layered double hydroxide as a novel efficient photocatalyst for degradation of methylene blue under visible light. J. Iran. Chem. Soc., 14, 695–701.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2015.02.009
[19] Liu, Q., Ma, J., Wang, K., Feng, T., Peng, M., Yao, Z., et al. (2017). BiOCl and TiO2 deposited on exfoliated ZnCr-LDH to enhance visible-light photocatalytic decolorization of Rhodamine B. Ceram. Int., 43(7), 5751–5758.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2017.01.119
[20] Huang, D., Ma, J., Yu, L., Wu, D., Wang, K., Yang, M., et al. (2015). AgCl and BiOCl composited with NiFe-LDH for enhanced photo-degradation of Rhodamine B. Sep. Purif. Technol., 156, 789–794.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2015.11.003
[21] Fu, R., Gong, Y., Li, C., Niu, L., & Liu, X. (2021). CdIn2S4 / In ( OH )3 / NiCr-LDH multi-interface heterostructure photocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution and Cr(VI) reduction. Nanomaterials, 11(11), 3122.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11113122
[22] Sahoo, D. P., Nayak, S., Reddy, K. H., Martha, S., & Parida, K. (2018). Fabrication of a Co(OH)2/ZnCr-LDH "p-n" heterojunction photocatalyst with enhanced separation of charge carriers for efficient visible-light-driven H2 and O2 evolution. Inorg. Chem., 57(7), 3840–3854.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.7b03213
[23] Baliarsingh, N., Parida, K. M., & Pradhan, G. C. (2014). Effects of Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn on photophysical and photocatalytic properties of carbonate intercalated MII/Cr LDHs for enhanced photodegradation of methyl orange. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 53(10), 3834–3841.
https://doi.org/10.1021/ie403769b
[24] Li, H., Mao, C., Shang, H., Yang, Z., Ai, Z., & Zhang, L. (2018). New opportunities for efficient N2 fixation by nanosheet photocatalysts. Nanoscale, 10(33), 15429–15435.
https://doi.org/10.1039/c8nr04277b
[25] Nayak, S., & Parida, K. (2022). Superlative photoelectrochemical properties of 3D MgCr-LDH nanoparticles influencing towards photoinduced water splitting reactions. Sci. Rep., 12(1), 1–23.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-13457-x
[26] Sadeghi Rad, T., Sevval Yazici, E., Khataee, A., Gengec, E., & Kobya, M. (2023). Tuned CuCr layered double hydroxide/carbon-based nanocomposites inducing sonophotocatalytic degradation of dimethyl phthalate. Ultrason. Sonochem., 95, 106358.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultsonch.2023.106358
[27] Salehi, G., Bagherzadeh, M., Abazari, R., Hajilo, M., & Taherinia, D. (2024). Visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye using a highly efficient Mg-Al LDH@g-C3N4@Ag3PO4 nanocomposite. ACS Omega, 9(4), 4581–4593.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c07326
[28] Meng, L., Fu, G., Lan, Y., & Feng, L. (2014). Significantly enhanced visible-light-induced photocatalytic performance of hybrid Zn-Cr layered double hydroxide/graphene nanocomposite and the mechanism study. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 53(33), 12943–12952.
https://doi.org/10.1021/ie501650g
[29] Ameur, N., Fandi, Z., Taieb-Brahimi, F., Ferouani, G., Bedrane, S., Bachir, R., et al. (2021). A novel approach of ceria nanotubes and plasmonic metal-doped ceria nanotubes application: Anticorrosion and photodegradation potential. Appl. Phys. A, 127(3), 1–12.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-021-04292-4
[30] Erjeno, D. J. D., Asequia, D. M. A., Osorio, C. K. F., Omisol, C. J. M., Etom, A. E., Hisona, R. M. R., et al. (2024). Facile synthesis of band gap-tunable kappa-carrageenan-mediated C,S-doped TiO2 nanoparticles for enhanced dye degradation. ACS Omega, 9(19), 21245–21259.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c01370
[31] Naceur, B., Abdelkader, E., Nadjia, L., Sellami, M., & Noureddine, B. (2016). Synthesis and characterization of Bi1.56Sb1.48Co0.96O7 pyrochlore sun-light-responsive photocatalyst. Mater. Res. Bull., 74, 491–501.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2015.11.012
[32] Nadjia, L., Abdelkader, E., Naceur, B., & Ahmed, B. (2018). CeO2 nanoscale particles: Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity under UVA light irradiation. J. Rare Earths, 36(6), 575–587.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jre.2018.01.004
[33] Sadeghi Rad, T., Sevval Yazici, E., Khataee, A., Gengec, E., & Kobya, M. (2023). Tuned CuCr layered double hydroxide/carbon-based nanocomposites inducing sonophotocatalytic degradation of dimethyl phthalate. Ultrason. Sonochem., 95, 106358.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultsonch.2023.106358
[34] Peng, W. C., Chen, Y. C., He, J. L., Ou, S. L., Horng, R. H., & Wuu, D. S. (2018). Tunability of p- and n-channel TiOx thin film transistors. Sci. Rep., 8(1), 1–11.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-27598-5
[35] Kang, S., Pawar, R. C., Pyo, Y., Khare, V., & Lee, C. S. (2016). Size-controlled BiOCl–RGO composites having enhanced photodegradative properties. J. Exp. Nanosci., 11(4), 259–275.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17458080.2015.1047420
[36] Ali, B., Abdelkader, E., Naceur, B., Houcine, C., Nadjia, L., & Nourredine, B. (2023). Sunlight-driven photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B by BiOCl and TiO2 deposited on NiCr-LDH. Int. J. Environ. Anal. Chem., 103(18), 6722–6741.
https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2021.1959570
[37] Sahoo, D. P., Patnaik, S., & Parida, K. (2021). An amine functionalized ZnCr-LDH/MCM-41 nanocomposite as efficient visible light induced photocatalyst for Cr(VI) reduction. Mater. Today Proc., 35, 252–257.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.05.526
[38] Oladipo, A. A. (2021). Rapid photocatalytic treatment of high-strength olive mill wastewater by sunlight and UV-induced CuCr2O4@CaFe–LDO. J. Water Process Eng., 40, 101932.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2021.101932
[39] Zhang, F., Zhang, C. L., Song, L., Zeng, R. C., Cui, L. Y., & Cui, H. Z. (2015). Corrosion resistance of superhydrophobic mg-al layered double hydroxide coatings on aluminum alloys. Acta Metall. Sin. Engl. Lett., 28(11), 1373–1381.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40195-015-0335-4
[40] Xie, W., Li, R., & Xu, Q. (2018). Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Se-doped TiO2 under visible light irradiation. Sci. Rep., 8(1), 1–11.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-27135-4
[41] Zhang, J., Wang, Z., Fan, M., Tong, P., Sun, J., Dong, S., et al. (2019). Ultra-light and compressible 3D BiOCl/RGO aerogel with enriched synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline. J. Mater. Res. Technol., 8(5), 4577–4587.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2019.08.002
[42] Fathirad, F., Ziaadini, F., Mostafavi, A., & Shamspur, T. (2021). Three-layer magnetic nanocomposite containing semiconductor nanoparticles as catalyst for dye removal from water solutions under visible light. Iran. J. Chem. Chem. Eng., 40(6), 1749–1756.
[43] Ziaadini, F., Mostafavi, A., Shamspur, T., & Fathirad, F. (2019). Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue from aqueous solution using Fe3O4@SiO2@CeO2 core-shell magnetic nanostructure as an effective catalyst. Adv. Environ. Technol., 5(2), 127–132.
https://doi.org/10.22104/AET.2020.4137.1204
[44] Mangeli, A., Mostafavi, A., Shamspur, T., Fathirad, F., & Mehrabi, F. (2021). Decontamination of fenitrothion from aqueous solutions using rGO/MoS2/Fe3O4 magnetic nanosorbent: Synthesis, characterization and removal application. J. Environ. Health Sci. Eng., 19(2), 1505–1511.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40201-021-00706-w
 
 
Advances in Environmental Technology
Volume 12, Issue 3
July 2026
Pages 291-307

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 09 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 23 April 2026
  • Accept Date: 02 May 2026

Share

How to cite

Statistics