Size-Controlled CuO Nanoparticles in KIT-6: Magneto-Photocatalytic Properties and Mechanistic Insights

Abstract

Size-dependent alteration in material properties, particularly changes in photocatalytic and magnetic behavior, have consistently attracted significant scientific interest. The CuO nano particles were dispersed in the mesoporous KIT-6 using wet impregnation technique and the difference in amount of CuO loadings have led to alteration in particle size with very narrow distribution. These materials were characterized using different techniques like Small-Angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), EELS mapping, EPR etc. The SAXS study confirmed the presence of three-dimensional cylindrical pore system in the synthesized KIT-6. These pores were filled without affecting the pore size or pore ordering with increasing CuO dispersion present as clusters within the channels of the mesoporous material. The magnetic properties along with the photocatalytic property of the CuO-KIT-6 (CK) were understood as a function of the particle size. The photocatalytic studies for the degradation studies of ortho-dichloro benzene (o-DCB) showed these CK’s to be good photocatalysts showing partial o-DCB degradation. The mechanism for the degradation of the o-DCB solution as a function of particle size is postulated under the light of variation of magneto-photocatalytic property.