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A Heterojunction Cu2O/N–TiO2Photocatalyst for Highly Efficient Visible Light-Driven Hydrogen Production

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Abstract

N–doped TiO2 effectively extends the light response range of TiO2 photocatalysts from the ultraviolet to the visible region; a p–n heterojunction would favor the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, leading to high quantum efficiency, and consequently, enhanced photocatalysis. A Cu2O/N–TiO2 hybrid catalyst with p-n heterojunctions was newly prepared using a solvothermal and chemical reduction method. The hierarchical structure and valence state of copper of the Cu2O/N–TiO2 catalyst have been confirmed using X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The hybrid Cu2O/N–TiO2 catalyst demonstrated good photostability and excellent photocatalytic activity toward H2 production, with a rate of 11 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation (>400 nm) of a methanol aqueous solution. This offers an inexpensive and facile approach for potential efficient solar photon-driven H2 production.

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Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by the NSF of China (No. 21271072, 21571062 to JGL; 21571063 to SCC), the Program for Professor of Special Appointment (Eastern Scholar) at Shanghai Institutions of Higher Learning, and the Shanghai Pujiang Program (No. 13J1401900) to JGL.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, People’s Republic of China

    Xiang-Yu Liu, Wen-Dong Wei, Shi-Cong Cui & Jin-Gang Liu

Authors
  1. Xiang-Yu Liu
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  2. Wen-Dong Wei
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  3. Shi-Cong Cui
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  4. Jin-Gang Liu
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Correspondence to Shi-Cong Cui or Jin-Gang Liu.

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Liu, XY., Wei, WD., Cui, SC. et al. A Heterojunction Cu2O/N–TiO2Photocatalyst for Highly Efficient Visible Light-Driven Hydrogen Production. Catal Lett 146, 1655–1662 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10562-016-1790-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10562-016-1790-x

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