Efficient photoactivated hydrogen evolution promoted by CuxO–gCN–TiO2–Au (x = 1,2) nanoarchitectures

Abstract

In this work, we propose an original and potentially scalable synthetic route for the fabrication of Cu_xO–gCN–TiO₂–Au (x = 1,2) nanoarchitectures, based on Cu foam anodization, graphitic carbon nitride liquid-phase deposition, and TiO₂/Au sputtering. A thorough chemico-physical characterization by complementary analytical tools revealed the formation of nanoarchitectures featuring an intimate contact between the system components and a high dispersion of gold nanoparticles. Modulation of single component interplay yielded excellent functional performances in photoactivated hydrogen evolution, corresponding to a photocurrent of ≈−5.7 mA cm⁻² at 0.0 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). These features, along with the very good service life, represent a cornerstone for the conversion of natural resources, as water and largely available sunlight, into added-value solar fuels.