Photocatalytic Decomposition of Nitrobenzene in Aqueous Solution by Ag/Cu2O Assisted with Persulfate under Visible Light Irradiation

The mineralization of nitrobenzene was executed using an innovative method, wherein Ag/Cu2O semiconductors stimulated by visible light irradiation were supported with persulfate anions. Batch-wise experiments performed for the evaluation effects silver metal contents impregnated, concentrations and dosages on removal efficiency. physicochemical properties fresh reacted illustrated X-ray diffraction analyses, FE-SEM images, EDS Mapping UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, transient photocurrent analyses photoelectron respectively. Because intense scavenging caused benzene, 1-propanol methanol individually, predominant oxidant considered to be sulfate radicals, originated from anions via photocatalysis Ag/Cu2O. As regards oxidation pathways, initially transformed into hydroxycyclohexadienyl followed production 2-nitrophenol, 3-nitrophenol or 4-nitrophenol. Afterwards, phenol compounds descended denitration nitrophenols converted hydroquinone p-benzoquinone.