EFFECT OF ACR LOADING ON CUO/ZNO PHOTOCATALYSTS FOR SIMULTANEOUS SOLAR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION AND ORGANIC DYE DEGRADATION

Abstract

The design of multifunctional photocatalysts capable of simultaneously facilitating solar driven hydrogen production and organic pollutant degradation is pivotal for addressing global energy and environmental challenges. In this study, CuO/ZnO nanocomposites modified with 1% by weight activated carbon rings (ACR) were synthesized via a hydrothermal route and systematically characterized using XRD, SEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Among the prepared nanocomposites, the sample containing 1 wt% ACR demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity, achieving a hydrogen evolution rate of 29,500 ± 1215.4 µmol g-1h-1 using a 1:1 sacrificial agent mixture, and attaining 95% degradation of methylene blue within 60 minutes under simulated solar light. Enhanced performance is attributed to improved charge carrier separation, increased visible-light absorption, and the formation of efficient hetero junctions. These results underscore the critical importance of ACR loading to maximize the dual functionality of CuO/ZnO based photocatalysts for sustainable solar hydrogen generation and wastewater remediation.