A review of the preparation and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution of core–shell Cu2O composites

Abstract

Due to its appropriate bandgap, Cu₂O has been widely studied in the field of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The core–shell structure is used to design photocatalytic semiconductor materials, so that the core and the shell can be effectively contacted in the three-dimensional structure. The interaction area between the materials is maximized, the light corrosion of the materials is reduced, and the hydrogen evolution stability and light corrosion resistance of Cu₂O composites are improved. In this review, the preparation methods of Cu₂O and the effects of surfactants, temperature, pH and other factors on the morphology of Cu₂O were reviewed. At the same time, the preparation of core–shell structure Cu₂O-metal/nonmetal/metal compound composites and the hydrogen production performance of photocatalysts were studied, which provided a new basis for the development of photocatalytic materials.