<![CDATA[Synthetic dyes, including Crystal Violet (CV), are widely used in the textile and chemical industries and are increasingly released into the environment due to their toxic, mutagenic, and non-biodegradable nature. The purpose of this work is to examine the photocatalytic degradation of CV utilising Fe2O3/CuO heterojunction with monoethanolamine (MEA) as an additive. To maximise its optical and catalytic capabilities, the Fe2O3/CuO photocatalyst was synthesised using different CuO compositions and MEA volumes. Using UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS) and the Kubelka-Munk technique, the band gap energy was determined. According to the findings, the incorporation of CuO did not show a pronounced effect, but it may contribute to the photocatalytic system through interfacial interactions and improved charge transfer within the Fe2O3/CuO structure. The lowest band gap value and optimal composition were found at 20% CuO, which was further reduced by adding 2 mL MEA. Tests of photocatalytic activity were conducted for 120 minutes when exposed to UV and sunshine. The results showed that CV had a high deterioration efficiency, reaching about 53.87% when exposed to sunshine. The creation of a Fe2O3/CuO heterojunction, which enhances charge separation and decreases electron-hole recombination, is responsible for the improved performance, whereas MEA enhances particle distribution and increases surface area. These results suggest that Fe2O3/CuO with MEA is a promising, economical, and eco-friendly photocatalyst for the treatment of wastewater contaminated with dyes.]]>
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