Cu and CuO/Titanate Nanobelt Based Network Assemblies for Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalysis

Abstract

3D network configurations of copper(II) oxide/titanate nanobelt (CuO/TiNBs) and copper/titanate nanobelt (Cu/TiNBs) were formed using a two-step polyelectrolyte-assisted synthesis and assembly approach. The photoactivity of the TiNB/CuO and Cu/TiNB composite networks is significantly enhanced as compared to the activity of 3D structures formed of pristine TiNB. An efficient, UV-vis-light-induced electron transfer at the two-component interface achieved by the intimate coupling of TiNB with p-type semiconducting CuO and plasmonic Cu nanoparticles in composite heterostructures facilitates control over the system's exciton dynamics, which results in highly efficient UV-vis photocatalytic performance of heterostructures. The superior photocatalytic activity of the metal and semiconductor/semiconductor nanocomposite structures in the visible region is discussed, highlighting the role of interfacial electron-charge transfer (IFCT) in semiconductor-semiconductor (CuO/TiNB) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Cu nanoparticles in metal-semiconductor heterostructures.

Leverage about synthesis and dispersion with cuo nanoparticle in oil lubricating

“…The resonance plasmon spectrum (SPR) of samples show characteristic band of copper oxide in the spectral region between 240 -300 nm, corroborating the results of [21], [22] and [23].…”

A facile strategy to fabricate plasmonic Cu modified TiO 2 nano-flower films for photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 to methanol

“…3(b) shows a representative Cu2P core level XPS spectrum with two peaks at 933.1 and 952.8 eV for Cu2p 3/2 and Cu2p 1/2 , respectively. These peaks are primarily due to metallic copper because copper in oxidation states typically exhibits two satellite or shake-up peaks [29,31,47]. In addition, the Raman signals of anatase TiO 2 were enhanced based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from the Cu NPs (Fig.…”

“…However, fluorescence quenching was observed after Cu deposition. Electron transfer from the excited TiO 2 to the surface-attached nanoparticles is thermodynamically favorable due to the larger work functions of the Cu NPs [47]. Therefore, the recombination of charge carriers was effectively suppressed by the deposition of Cu NPs, leading to a lower emission intensity.…”

Nanocomposite materials for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants

“…Polyelectrolytes played a twofold role: (i) they act as nanoreactors, accommodating the formation and the uniform distribution of Cu and CuO NPs on the surface of TiNBs, and (ii) control the formation and the morphological features of the final 3D heterostructure network. Indeed, the proposed approach resulted in 3D structured photocatalysts with an enhanced heterojunction area, expected to enable efficient harvesting of solar light and to ensure a high interconnection between the TiNBs and Cu or CuO [86].…”