Electrochemical degradation of organic pollutants using Cu nanocubes modified electrode – A facile approach for environmental remediation

The present work investigates the electrocatalytic behaviour of copper nanocubes (CuNCs) synthesized through an inexpensive novel electrodeposition process. The cubic structured morphology of the CuNCs/electrodes was optimized by applied potential and current during electrodeposition. The structural morphology, phase composition and elemental distribution of the nanocatalyst (CuNCs) were investigated by HRSEM, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The oxidative degradation of malachite green (MG) (target pollutant) was monitored using the polarization current by cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. The degradation efficiency of MG was determined using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. The CV results proved the improved electrocatalytic efficiency of CuNCs modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) which shows the polyhedral structures with active surfaces. The XPS spectra recorded before and after the electro-oxidation confirmed the stability of CuNCs during the electrochemical oxidation. This study also demonstrates the efficient electrocatalytic activity of metal nanoparticles toward the removal of harmful organic wastes. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of CuNCs were evaluated towards the gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. The versatility of CuNCs in removing harmful microbial contaminants has a great impact on environmental remediation and sustainable development.