Solid state conversion of novel coordinated precursors to visible light active photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

The new polydentate N'1,N'3‐bis((E)‐3‐oxopentan‐2‐ylidene)malonohidrazide chelating agent (H2L) and its coordinated complexes of Co2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+ were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, and spectra (Fourier transform infrared [FT‐IR], ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy [UV–vis], and Fast‐Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry (FAB‐MS). Also, thermal and magnetic investigations were conducted. X‐ray single crystal of the H2L ligand revealed a triclinic structure with space group P‐1. In this study, we provide a one‐pot preparation approach for transition metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as CuO, Co3O4, and NiO NPs. The methodology entails the thermal decomposition of coordinated metal precursors in a solid‐state environment, obviating the necessity for agitation and rinsing. The remarkable significance of this method lies in its ability to produce highly pure NPs without the requirement of washing, and it allows for systematic and efficient production. Herein, we propose a large‐scale, environmentally benign and renewable, transition metals oxide NPs such as CuO, Co3O4, and NiO using solid‐state thermal degradation of their coordinated precursors. The NPs are subjected to analysis employing a range of techniques, such as X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 sorpometry (BET), and UV–vis). The photocatalytic activities of the synthesized NPs were assessed using photodegradation of organic contaminants in wastewater.