Cu-supported Cu2O nanoparticles: Optimized photodeposition enhances the visible light photodestruction of atrazine

Highlights: • Cu-supported Cu₂O nanoparticles prepared by a simple route.• Cu improved structural and surface texture of the Cu₂O.• Photodeposited Cu boosts visible light absorption and sinks the photoexcited electrons.• Optimized Cu–Cu₂O showed 100% destruction of atrazine after 30 min light.• Invented photocatalyst display outstanding recyclability for water remediation. -- Abstract: The removal of herbicides from water by photocatalysis is essential for environmental remediation. Moreover, optimization of ecofriendly photocatalysts is an alternative approach. Here, we synthesized Cu₂O nanoparticles utilizing a sol-gel technique, which were subsequently loaded with Cu nanoparticles to form Cu@Cu₂O by simple photoassisted deposition with different Cu contents. The prepared nanostructures showed an increase in light absorption at longer wavelengths and a reduction in the bandgap from 2.08 eV in pure Cu₂O to 1.95 eV in 15% Cu-loaded Cu₂O. The photoluminescence and photocurrent experiments suggest the lowest recombination of photoinduced charges through optimizing the Cu content. The amended Cu@Cu₂O led to the complete photodestruction of atrazine, a commonly applied triazine herbicide, after 30 min of visible light exposure with outstanding durability.