Modulation of Cu/Cu2O nanoparticles to promote the photocurrent response for light-enhanced pseudocapacitive charge storage

Abstract

Copper metal/copper oxide (Cu/Cu₂O) hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) were grown on carbon cloth by an electrodeposition method. The ratio of Cu₂O in these HNPs was increased by calcination in air, remarkably promoting the photocurrent response by 150%. This CC@Cu/Cu₂O photoelectrode delivered a high specific capacitance of 166 mF cm⁻² (at 5 mA cm⁻²) under light irradiation, exhibiting a light enhancement of 17.7%. In addition, a high retention of 92% can be achieved after 5000 cycles with light.