Effect of TiO2 Mass Ratio on the Photocatalytic Performance of TiO2/Cu2O Composites Synthesized via Hydrothermal Method

https://doi.org/10.22146/ijc.110237

Tanti Haryati(1*), Dimitry Febri Damayanti(2), Herlina Nur Hanifah(3), Novita Andarini(4), Suwardiyanto Suwardiyanto(5), Yudi Aris Sulistiyo(6)

(1) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, Jl. Kalimantan 37, Jember 68121, Indonesia
(2) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, Jl. Kalimantan 37, Jember 68121, Indonesia
(3) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, Jl. Kalimantan 37, Jember 68121, Indonesia
(4) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, Jl. Kalimantan 37, Jember 68121, Indonesia
(5) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, Jl. Kalimantan 37, Jember 68121, Indonesia
(6) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, Jl. Kalimantan 37, Jember 68121, Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


TiO2 is an n-type semiconductor with a band gap of 3.0–3.2 eV, limiting its photocatalytic activity to the UV region. To enhance visible-light performance, TiO2/Cu2O composites with varying TiO2 mass ratios were synthesized via a hydrothermal method using micro-sized TiO2 powder. XRD confirmed the presence of anatase TiO2 and cuprite Cu2O phases, while SEM revealed spherical microscale particles. FTIR spectra showed characteristic Ti–O and Cu–O vibrations at 600–700 cm−1, and XRF verified the expected elemental distribution. UV–vis DRS indicated dual absorption edges in the mixed composites, with band-gap values ranging from 3.20 to 1.91 eV, demonstrating the optical contributions of both semiconductors. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated through diazinon degradation under visible light, where the 50% TiO2/Cu2O composite achieved the highest efficiency (89.11%). This performance is attributed to optimal composition, stronger interfacial contact, and improved charge separation. The optical behavior and activity trends suggest that the composite is likely to follow a direct Z-scheme mechanism, preserving a strong redox potential under visible irradiation. These results highlight the potential of composition-controlled TiO2/Cu2O composites for the degradation of pesticides.


Keywords


TiO2/Cu2O composites; hydrothermal; mass percentages; photocatalyst, diazinon

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/ijc.110237

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