Efficient mineralisation and disinfection of neonicotinoid pesticides with unique ZnAl-LDH intercalation structure and synergistic effect of Cu2O crystalline surface

Photocatalysts based on crystallographic effects and visible light-driven tunable nanostructures have been confirmed as a novel, scalable, and easy-to-implement technology. The hydrothermal reaction serves as the main method of synthesis for its novelty, becoming a viable alternative to other complex physical and chemical processes. In this study, hydrothermal conditions' parameters were set for nanostructured Cu2O/ZnAl-LDH photocatalysts. The nanostructured I-scheme Cu2O/ZnAl-LDH photocatalysts were prepared with an intercalated morphology. The prepared photocatalysts became the most effective photocatalyst for mineralizing and degrading nitenpyram solution, achieved nearly complete degradation and exceptionally high mineralization values (>40%) after 210 min of reaction, and exerted some ex vivo antibacterial, sterilising effects and potential for treating waste leachate (removal = 78%). The synergistic effect of Cu2O/ZnAl-LDH with both crystalline surface effect and intercalation structure can lead to reusability, high stability, versatility, and excellent photocatalytic performance in mineralize neonicotinoid pesticides. [Display omitted] •An I-scheme Cu₂O/ZnAl-LDH intercalation photocatalyst was obtained.•Cu2O/ZnAl-LDH photocatalysts have a variety of environmentally functional applications.•DFT verified the photochemical properties and revealed the catalytic mechanism.•A variety of reactive radicals and special material structures play a synergistic role in the oxidation reaction.