Dual-functional CuO/ZrO2/Al2O3 nanocomposite with tailored p–n heterojunction interfaces for enhanced dye degradation and antimicrobial efficiency

Nagaraju, Vivekraj and Krishnegowda, Jagadish and Shivalingaiah, Lingegowda Nagarakere and Karigiregowda, Thriveni Muttegere and Narasigowda, Kumara Manikyanahally (2026) Dual-functional CuO/ZrO2/Al2O3 nanocomposite with tailored p–n heterojunction interfaces for enhanced dye degradation and antimicrobial efficiency. Environmental Pollution and Management, 3. pp. 88-98. ISSN 29503051

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Abstract

A highly efficient CuO/ZrO2/Al2O3 ternary nanocomposite was synthesized using a green and cost-effective electrochemical method. The crystallinity, morphology, elemental composition, surface adsorption (BET), optical, catalytic and biological properties of the nanocomposite was systematically characterized using advanced analytical techniques. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of distinct peaks corresponding to CuO, ZrO2, and Al2O3, indicating the successful formation of a visible-light-active catalyst. SEM images revealed strong interfacial interactions between CuO and ZrO2 integrated within the porous, high-surface-area structure of Al2O3, UV-Visible and DRS analysis determined the band gap energy to be 2.5 eV. The nanocomposite demonstrated excellent photocatalytic efficiency in degrading Indigo Carmine (IC) dye, achieving up to 95  removal. The high surface area of Al2O3 (195 m²/g) facilitated dye adsorption, while the CuO– ZrO2 heterojunction enhanced charge separation: sunlight-excited electrons from p-type CuO were transferred to n-type ZrO2 reducing recombination. Additionally, the nanocomposite exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal strains, outperforming standard references. The novelty of this work lies in the green electrochemical synthesis of a CuO/ZrO₂/Al₂O₃ ternary heterojunction photocatalyst that uniquely combines high surface area, efficient charge separation, and visible-light activity, enabling dual photocatalytic and antimicrobial functionality.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	CuO/ZrO/AlO, Nanocomposite, Electrochemical synthesis, Photocatalysis, Biocompatibility
Subjects:	C Chemical Science > Chemistry
Divisions:	Yuvaraj college > Chemistry
Depositing User:	C Swapna Library Assistant
Date Deposited:	01 Dec 2025 09:19
Last Modified:	01 Dec 2025 09:19
URI:	http://eprints.uni-mysore.ac.in/id/eprint/18136

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