Template-free hierarchical trimetallic oxide photocatalyst derived from organically modified ZnCuCo layered double hydroxide

High-performance photocatalysts have considerable potential to address energy and environmental issues. In this study, dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS) modified ZnCuCo layered double hydroxide (DBS-ZnCuCo LDH) microspheres were synthesized through the facile template-free hydrothermal method. Subsequently, mixed-metal oxides (MMOs) with morphological features of DBS LDH, enhanced surface area, increased light absorption effective charge separation prepared by calcination as-synthesized LDH at 650 °C. Structural, morphological, photoelectrochemical properties DBS-ZnCuCo LDHs corresponding MMOs (ZnCuCo MMO1 MMO2) investigated. SEM TEM images revealed that MMO2 possess 3D flower-like hierarchical morphologies interlaced petal-like nanosheets. Although was inactive for photocatalytic H2 production under visible irradiation, exhibited a high rate (3700 μmol g−1 h−1), benefiting from synergy ZnO, CuO, Co3O4. Furthermore, 95% sulfamethazine (SMZ) degradation obtained after 60 min photocatalysis, which is considerably higher than efficiency (24%) (58%). Based on tests, Z-scheme transfer mechanisms proposed explain SMZ. Scavenging tests O2•− radicals main reactive species in photodegradation A possible pathway based detection intermediate products.