Characterization and photocatalytic activity of (ZnO–CuO)/SBA-15 nanocomposites synthesized by two-solvent method

Schematic between charge genenration and transfer for methylene orange degradation simulated by light. - Highlights: • Two-solvent method is used to prepare ZnO–CuO particles embedded in porous SBA-15. • The absorption edge of (ZnO–CuO)/SBA-15 composite is in the visible light regime. • The absorption intensity of the composite in visible light regime is enhanced. • The (ZnO–CuO)/SBA-15 composite has higher photocatalytic ability than Degussa P-25. - Abstract: Two-solvent method was employed to prepare ZnO–CuO nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous silica SBA-15 ((ZnO–CuO)/SBA-15). The as-obtained (ZnO–CuO)/SBA-15 nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N{sub 2} adsorption porosimetry, and diffusive reflective UV–vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of (ZnO–CuO)/SBA-15 nanocomposites toward methylene orange was investigated under simulated solar light irradiation, and the measurement results indicated that (ZnO–CuO)/SBA-15 nanocomposites exhibit higher photodegradation activity toward methylene orange than commercial TiO{sub 2} P-25. The photocatalytic activity of (ZnO–CuO)/SBA-15 nanocomposites were found to be dependent on both the adsorption ability of the nanocomposites and the loading dosage of ZnO–CuO nanoparticles in SBA-15. The optimal loading dosage of ZnO–CuO nanoparticles was determined. Too high or too low loading will lower the photodegradation ability of (ZnO–CuO)/SBA-15 nanocomposites.