| ABSTRACT |
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a toxic and carcinogenic pollutant commonly found in industrial wastewater. This study synthesized monoclinic CuNb₂O₆-based photocatalyst through thermal oxidation of mixed Cu and Nb powders at temperatures ranging from 200¿800°C. SEM and XRD analyses were performed to investigate morphology and crystal structure. XRD results showed that CuNb₂O₆ phase formation began at 400°C and increased with annealing temperature. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated using 10 ppm Cr(VI) solution under UV light irradiation. The 400°C sample demonstrated the highest Cr(VI) removal efficiency of 65% after 150 minutes due to improved charge separation within the CuO/Nb₂O₅/CuNb₂O₆ heterostructure.
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