Paper Title
Z -AG/CUCO2O4 SCHEME WITH ENHANCED PHOTOCATALYTIC PROPERTIES FOR METHYL ORANGE OXIDATION

Abstract
Abstract - Construction of Z-scheme is considered effective strategies to enhance photocatalytic performance. Herein, we reported the junction Ag/CuCo2O4 (5/95 % wt.) prepared by co-precipitation, characterized physically and photo electrochemically. Its performance was evaluated for the oxidation of Methyl Orange (MO) under solar light. The X-ray diffraction exhibited narrow peaks ascribed to the spinel CuCo2O4 and Ag. The SEM analysis displayed grains with regular shape. The band gap of CuCo2O4 (1.38 eV), deducted from the diffuse reflectance and this value decreased down to 1.15 eV due to the synergy effect in the junction. The current-potential (J-E) curve plotted in Na2SO4 electrolyte showed a medium hysteresis, characteristic of a good chemical stability. The capacitance-2 – potential (C-2 – E) graph displayed that the spinel behaves as p-type semiconductor, a property supported by chrono-amperometry. The conduction band, located at 4.05 eV (-0.94 VNHE), was made up of Co3+: 3d orbital. The result showed a total discoloration of MO after 2 h of illumination under solar light. This work provides a new strategy for Ag/CuCo2O4 in degrading wastewater pollution Keywords - Hetero-Junction Ag/CuCo2O4, Semiconductor, Environment, Sunlight, Characterization, Depollution.