Optimization of Ternary Heterojunction Photocatalyst With Novel Copper Oxide Incorporated g‐C 3 N 4 /La 2
Boran Jayanthi, Shanmugam Vignesh, Abimannan Gomathi, Prammitha Rajaram, Sanjeevamuthu Suganthi, Vairamuthu RajABSTRACT
Photocatalysis is an operative and eco‐friendly method for breaking down emerging organic contaminants. A series of CNLa@Cu ternary nanocomposites with varying copper content, namely, 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% were prepared. Structural, optical, morphological, and chemical composition characteristics were investigated using various analytical instruments. UV‐DRS analysis revealed a notable reduction in bandgap energy for effective composition, which enhances light absorption. Under visible‐light driven Rhodamine B (RhB) dye was used to assess the photocatalytic performance. Photocatalyst CNLa@Cu‐20% showed the highest degradation efficiency of 96% within 210 min and the reaction rate constant of 0.0102 min − 1 . Furthermore, the effective degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH, 57.73%) was achieved. Antibacterial assessments showed superior inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by CNLa@Cu‐20% compared to pristine g‐C 3 N 4 . Additionally, the effects of operational parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, and pollutant concentration on RhB degradation were systematically investigated in this study. Germination analysis using Vigna radiata (Mung bean) investigated the non‐toxicity of the treated water, making it appropriate for horticultural use. Overall, CNLa@Cu‐20% emerged as a highly efficient material for simultaneous photocatalytic degradation and antimicrobial, agricultural applications, indicating significant potential in wastewater treatment and environmental disinfection.