Efficient photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A by green synthesized CuO decorated nickel hexacyanoferrate nanocomposite

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical additive in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, is suspected to be an endocrine‐disrupter. Extensive use and irregular treating methods have led to frequent detection of BPA in wastewater, raising demand for their removal by efficient nanomaterials‐based technique. Nanocomposite CuO@NiHCF was synthesized via green method using Citrus aurantium peel extract. Crystalline structure (particle size <50 nm) of CuO@NiHCF was analysed by microscopic and spectroscopic analysis. This nanocomposite showed 97% degradation of BPA (50 mg L−1) at neutral pH in sunlight. Moreover, improved particle stability (zeta potential: −56.2 mV; 2.0 eV) and high surface area, pore volume (81 m2g−1, 13.9 nm) resulted from synergism of NiHCF (−26.3 mV; 2.4 eV), and CuO (−11.5 mV; 1.9 eV) led to efficient photodegradation of BPA. Degradation of BPA was found photo‐adsorptive. Moreover, degradation was carried out by OH radicals based with ring‐opening mechanisms by GC–MS. High efficiency and sustainability of CuO@NiHCF were revealed by its multiple reusability (n = 10), leading to a promising and sustainable photocatalyst.