Effect of cupric salts (Cu (NO3)2, CuSO4, Cu(CH3COO)2) on Cu2(OH)PO4 morphology for photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol under near-infrared light irradiation

Abstract

Cu2(OH)PO4 microstructures were synthesized by the hydrothermal method using three different types cupric salts (Cu (NO3)2, CuSO4, Cu(CH3COO)2) as raw materials. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-visible-NIR absorption spectra were used to characterize the as-obtained products. The different anions (SO4 2-, CH3COO-, NO3-) have different shapes and polarities, which can generate different interactions in reaction bath, induced the difference of structure and morphology of the prepared Cu2(OH)PO4. The Cu2(OH)PO4 microstructures prepared form Cu(NO3)2•3H2O showed the best photocatalytic activity induced by near-infrared light to degrade 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) solution. Our work suggests that the active morphological surfaces as well as different coordination environments for the metal ions has an important influence on the photocatalytic performance of Cu2(OH)PO4 microstructure.