# Synthesis and characterization of g-C3N5/CuS/AgNPs nanocomposite as a Z-scheme photocatalyst for efficient methyl parathion degradation

## TL;DR

This study develops a nanocomposite material that efficiently breaks down a harmful water pollutant using visible light.

## Contribution

A novel g-C3N5/CuS/AgNPs Z-scheme photocatalyst is synthesized for efficient methyl parathion degradation.

## Key findings

- The nanocomposite degrades 94.90% of methyl parathion under visible light within one hour at pH 6.
- Optimal conditions include specific pH, pollutant, and photocatalyst concentrations.
- Radicals •O2− and •OH are key in the degradation process.

## Abstract

Water pollutants constitute a significant environmental concern today. Organophosphorus compounds, notably parathion, represent a critical category of water pollutants. Their extensive usage poses substantial risks to human health and the environment, necessitating their removal from water sources. This study focuses on the photocatalytic degradation of parathion, utilizing a g-C3N5/CuS/AgNPs nanocomposite synthesized through a combination of hydrothermal and ultrasonic methods. The nanocomposite was characterized using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and demonstrated the capacity to degrade approximately 94.90% of parathion in the presence of visible light within one hour at pH 6. Parameters such as pH, initial pollutant concentration, and photocatalyst concentration were optimized. The study’s findings highlight that •O2− and •OH play a predominant role in the degradation process of this contaminant.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-35254-6.