Photocatalytic dye degradation with copper–titanium dioxide nanocomposites under sunlight and visible light irradiation

Photocatalytic methalyne blue dye degradation was carried out with copper (Cu)–titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanocomposites under sunlight and visible light irradiation. The Cu–TiO₂ nanocomposites were fabricated via femtosecond laser ablation of pressed targets in water. The current method provides a facile route for Cu–TiO₂ nanocomposites preparation, which is free from impurities on the catalysts surface. The Cu–TiO₂ nanocomposites (with Cu content of 5 wt%) have shown 3 folds faster dye degradation kinetics compared with TiO₂ nanoparticles under sunlight irradiation. While under visible light irradiation, the same nanocomposites exhibited 2.6 folds faster kinetics compared with TiO₂ nanoparticles. The faster light harvesting efficiency of the catalysts is attributed to more hydroxyl radical generation. (paper)