Novel photocatalyst for dye degradation: Cu2O/Ag2MoO4 nanocomposite on cellulose fibers from recycled cigarette butts

Environmental and health concerns stemming from cigarette butt waste and water contamination by reactive dyes underscore the need for sustainable solutions. This study presented an innovative approach that repurposes discarded cigarette butts as a source of cellulose fibers (CFs). These CFs served as an eco-friendly substrate for the deposition of Cu2O/Ag2MoO4 nanocomposite catalysts (Cu2O/Ag2MoO4/CF), offering a sustainable and efficient method for the removal of reactive dyes, with specific focus on reactive blue 19 (RB19). The prepared heterostructure photocatalyst was thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques, including XRD, UV-vis DR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, TGA, photocurrent response, EIS measurements, PL spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. Cu2O/Ag2MoO4/CF photocatalysts exhibited exceptional photodegradation performance toward RB19, surpassing monomeric and binary materials 3.6-7.6 times. Enhanced performance resulted from improved visible-light absorbance and efficient e-/h+ pair separation. Mechanistic insights gained from radical scavenger experiments identify hydroxyl radicals (& sdot;OH) and holes (h+) as the primary active species responsible for photocatalysis. Reusability tests demonstrated the robustness and potential for multiple applications, maintaining a photocatalytic efficiency exceeding 86 % after five cycles, with negligible metal ion leaching. With superior visible-light photocatalytic performance, durability, and versatility, Cu2O/Ag2MoO4/CF can hold significant potential for addressing challenges in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.