Construction of Cu7S4@CuCo2O4 Yolk–Shell Microspheres Composite and Elucidation of Its Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity, Mechanism, and Pathway for Carbamazepine Degradation

• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207370
• Publication Date: 2023-02-11T04:47:17Z
• Authors: Zuming He; Hanpei Yang; Ngie Hing Wong; Lusi Ernawati; Jaka Sunarso; Zhengyi Huang; Yongmei Xia; Yong Wang; Jiangbin Su; Xiaofei Fu; Mi Wu
• Keywords: Photodegradation

Water pollution caused by the massive use of medicines has significant environmental problems. This work first reports synthesis and characterization Cu7 S4 /CuCo2 O4 (CS/CCO) yolk-shell microspheres via hydrothermal annealing methods, then investigates their photocatalytic performance in removing organic water pollutants. The 10-CS/CCO composite with exhibits highest photodegradation rate carbamazepine (CBZ), reaching 96.3% within 2 h. also demonstrates more than two times higher rates pure (Cu7 ) CS (CuCo2 CCO. outstanding can be attributed to unique structure Z-scheme charge transfer pathway, reducing multiple reflections acting light. These factors enhance light absorption efficiency efficiently photoexcited carriers. In-depth, degradation pathways CBZ are systematically evaluated identification intermediates Fukui index calculation. insights gained from this serve as a guideline for developing low-cost efficient photocatalyst composites structure.