CoAl2O4–TiO2 nanocomposite photocatalyst for effective destruction of herbicide imazapyr under visible light

Mesoporous CoAl2O4–TiO2 nanocomposites have been tested in this investigation to photo-destruct imazapyr herbicide waste. Numerous percentages of CoAl2O4 were utilized in the preparation of mesoporous CoAl2O4–TiO2 nanocomposites through the sol–gel method. It is terminated from Raman spectra and XRD data that practicing lower CoAl2O4 percentage brings about the progression of intensely crystalline anatase TiO2 phase, which is diminished by extending CoAl2O4 ratio. The surface texture investigation showed that specific surface areas of fabricated TiO2 NPs and 3.0% CoAl2O4–TiO2 nanocomposites are 180 and 160 m2 g−1, respectively, revealing that inclusion of CoAl2O4 has a negative effect on the surface area of TiO2 NPs. Photo-destruction of imazapyr herbicide has been selected to evaluate photocatalytic efficacy of the formulated CoAl2O4–TiO2 nanocomposites, and at the same time, it has been correlated with commercial P25 Degussa covered by irradiation of visible light. CoAl2O4–TiO2 nanocomposite, including 3.0 mass% CoAl2O4 has been established as the optimal composite to achieve the most favorable destruction. Indeed, the photo-destruction of imazapyr herbicide was 100% after 180 min of the reaction. Also, it was found that CoAl2O4–TiO2 nanocomposite incorporating 3.0 mass% of CoAl2O4 photodegraded the imazapyr herbicide 10.2 and 5.1 times faster correlated to P25 Degussa and mesoporous TiO2, respectively.