Efficient photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A by green synthesized CuO decorated nickel hexacyanoferrate nanocomposite

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical additive in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, is suspected to be an endocrine-disrupter. Extensive use and irregular treating methods have led to frequent detection of BPA in wastewater, raising demand for their removal by efficient nanomaterials-based technique. Nanocomposite CuO@NiHCF was synthesized via green method using Citrus aurantium peel extract. Crystalline structure (particle size <50 nm) of CuO@NiHCF was analysed by microscopic and spectroscopic analysis. This nanocomposite showed 97% degradation of BPA (50 mg L⁻¹) at neutral pH in sunlight. Moreover, improved particle stability (zeta potential: −56.2 mV; 2.0 eV) and high surface area, pore volume (81 m²g⁻¹, 13.9 nm) resulted from synergism of NiHCF (−26.3 mV; 2.4 eV), and CuO (−11.5 mV; 1.9 eV) led to efficient photodegradation of BPA. Degradation of BPA was found photo-adsorptive. Moreover, degradation was carried out by OH radicals based with ring-opening mechanisms by GC–MS. High efficiency and sustainability of CuO@NiHCF were revealed by its multiple reusability (n = 10), leading to a promising and sustainable photocatalyst.