Hydrothermal synthesis of CuO flake-like structures for efficient degradation of model pollutant dye under solar light illumination and improved hydrogen evolution via catalytic NaBH4 hydrolysis

This study explores the synthesis of flake-like CuO structures via a hydrothermal route and examines their applicability in wastewater treatment through model dye degradation and in boosting of hydrogen evolution via catalytic hydrolysis of NaBH 4 . Under optimized conditions, involving low CuO dosage and minimal H 2 O 2 addition, nearly complete removal of Methylene blue (MB) dye (C o = 3×10 -5 M) was observed within 30 min with apparent constant rate of k = 0.1124 min -1 . The prepared flake-like CuO structures exhibit significant promise for wastewater treatment owing to their low production cost, efficient performance with minimal CuO and H 2 O 2 input, excellent recyclability, and enhanced apparent rate constant as compared to other CuO-based photocatalysts. Furthermore, the introduction even of a small amount of CuO flake-like structures significantly enhanced the H 2 evolution efficiency during the catalytic hydrolysis of NaBH 4 . Overall, the prepared CuO flake-like structures exhibit excellent potential for wastewater photocatalytic treatment and for improved hydrogen evolution via sodium borohydride hydrolysis. • CuO flake-like structures were prepared using a hydrothermal method • Prepared CuO exhibit a mesoporous structure with a surface area of 7.93 m2·g-1 • CuO shows excellent photocatalytic performance under solar light illumination • CuO shows structural stability and excellent photocatalytic reusability • CuO significantly improves the H2 evolution rate via NaBH4 hydrolysis