CuOX%/ZnO mesoporous oxides with dual photocatalytic/antibacterial activity performance

Mesoporous ZnO oxides were synthesized, followed by Cu doping. The activity of the synthesized photocatalysts was evaluated in the degradation of an organic pollutant, Acetaminophen (ACT) which is the active substance of paracetamol, a largely consumed analgesic often present in aqueous effluents. The reaction was carried out under solar irradiation where Cu2.5%/ZnO exhibited an excellent photo-activity (photodegradation rate 97%) of Acetaminophen only after 60 min of solar irradiation. The dispersion of copper particles deposited on the surface of the mesoporous no oxide influences photoactivity where Cu10%/ZnO with large copper particle sizes is comparatively less active to Cu2.5%/ZnO materials with reduced copper particle size. Antibacterial activity was performed against gram-positive Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739) and gram-negative Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 9341), where all materials revealed a good antibacterial activity (maximum 96.5% of inhibition ratio). © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.