Optimization of CuAl2O4 Nanoparticles for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes Under UV and Visible Light

Organic dyes, due to their persistence and toxicity, represent a significant environmental challenge. This study focuses on the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using CuAl2O4 nanoparticles, synthesized through the co-precipitation method, under visible light irradiation. The synthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to determine their chemical, structural, and crystalline properties. The optical properties of the nanoparticles, particularly their ability to absorb light, were also investigated, highlighting their importance in enhancing photocatalytic performance. Methyl Violet dye was selected as a model pollutant to assess the photocatalytic efficiency of these nanoparticles. The results showed that the CuAl2O4 nanoparticles degraded about 72.49% of Methyl Violet in 120 min under UV and visible light, with the high efficiency attributed to the generation of electron-hole pairs and reactive oxygen species, including superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals. These active agents are critical in the degradation process. The findings demonstrate the potential of CuAl2O4 nanoparticles as nontoxic and highly effective photocatalysts for environmental remediation, offering a promising solution for treating wastewater contaminated with hazardous organic dyes. This study enhances the understanding of the photocatalytic behavior of CuAl2O4 nanoparticles and emphasizes their potential in reducing environmental pollution through efficient degradation of harmful compounds.