Visible-light response ZnO/CuCo₂O₄ nanocomposite: Vibrational, optical, structural, morphological, photocatalytic, and kinetic analyses

Compatible nanoparticle properties in photocatalytic applications are crucial. Within the scope of this investigation, we constructed a nanocomposite of ZnO and CuCo₂O₄ (ZnO/CuCo₂O₄) to boost the photocatalytic properties of ZnO by constructing ZnO/CuCo₂O₄ nanocomposite using Artocarpus altilis leaves extracts (AALE). Essential secondary metabolites contribute to the origin of weak bases and capping agents to form the spherical shape of ZnO/CuCo₂O₄. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), scanning electron microscope - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) are some of the techniques that are utilized for the validation of nanocomposite properties, such as vibrational, crystallinity, band gap, morphology, particle size, and elemental composition. The formation of ZnO/CuCo₂O₄ decreased the bandgap energy and enhanced the photocatalytic performance by 93.01 % under visible light irradiation for 2 h. ZnO/CuCo₂O₄ followed pseudo-second-order kinetic in the photodegradation of malachite green (MG). It is noted that the increase in photocatalytic characteristics can be brought about by the narrower band gap of ZnO and increased kinetic rate toward dye degradation. Radical species analysis was of utmost importance in acknowledging that holes (h⁺) were the most crucial species that were indispensable to MG degradation. The photodegradation efficiency of the recycled catalyst only declines by approximately 12 % after five cycles of consumption. This study demonstrates a compelling method using plant extracts to prepare visible-light response ZnO-based nanocomposites for better photocatalytic activity and stability.