Synergistic copper-modified covalent triazine framework for visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutant

The current investigation studies the covalent triazine framework (CTF) with copper modification. The analyses comprised several characterizations including, i.e. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer), SEM/EDX (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-dispersive X-ray), XRD (X-ray Diffractometer), BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) isotherm and surface area, and UV–vis DRS (Diffuse Reflection Spectroscopy). Additionally, the effect of additional oxidants and scavengers is studied. The copper-modified CTF (CTF-Cu) was found to have favorable properties for photocatalysis purposes compared to pristine CTF-1. The copper modification extends visible light absorption, reduces estimated band gap energy, and modifies the microstructure and chemical composition of the pristine CTF-1 facet. Conclusively, the CTF-Cu exhibited higher performance for methylene blue degradation.