Cu2O clusters grown on TiO2 nanoplates as efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen generation

Abstract

Conversion of solar energy into chemical energy in the form of so-called “solar fuels”, e.g., hydrogen, methane etc., is considered as one of the most promising methods to solve the future energy and environment challenges. Herein, ultrafine Cu₂O clusters are in situ uniformly grown on the surface of TiO₂ nanoplates (Cu₂O/TiO₂) via a one-pot hydrothermal method. The morphology and structure of Cu₂O/TiO₂ products are investigated by different characterization techniques. Furthermore, a detailed study on photocatalytic hydrogen generation demonstrates that the charge transfer of TiO₂ with Cu₂O loading is significantly accelerated, leading to high charge separation efficiency. Impressively, Cu₂O/TiO₂ exhibits superior catalytic activity towards water reduction, which is even higher than that of TiO₂ loaded with noble metal Au nanoparticles. The strategy, facilitating charge transfer by construction of a heterojunction interface with cheap transition metal oxides, will offer the opportunity toward practical application of nanomaterials in energy conversion.