Synthesis of Ag/Cu2O hybrids and their photocatalytic degradation treatment of p-nitrophenol

Cu₂O and Ag/Cu₂O hybrids with different Ag contents were synthesised by reducing AgNO₃ and Cu(Ac)₂ with Na₂SO₃ via a hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy technologies. The final samples were used as catalysts for degradation of p-nitrophenol in wastewater, and their catalytic parameters, including irradiation time, catalyst composition, concentration of catalyst, initial concentration of pollutant and repeatability of catalyst, were investigated in detail. The results indicated that p-nitrophenol could be effectively degraded by Ag/Cu₂O hybrid with higher Ag content (such as 20 or 25% Ag). After being used nine times, the corresponding catalyst still exhibited high catalytic activity. The possible photocatalytic mechanism was discussed. The technology possesses potential application in the treatment of wastewater containing nitrophenol pollutants.