Durable CuO/mesoporous TiO₂ photocatalyst for stable and efficient hydrogen evolution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photocatalysis
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Semiconductor nanoparticles on photoactive supports are effective for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
• Layered titanate nanosheets offer unique properties for material synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop mesoporous CuO/TiO₂ composites with highly dispersed CuO nanostructures.
• To investigate the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and stability of these composites.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing interlayer ion-exchange and space-confining properties of titanate nanosheets to embed copper ions.
• Transitioning copper-embedded titanates to mesoporous CuO/TiO₂.
• Conducting experimental studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Main Results:

• Achieved a HER efficiency of 12.45 mmol g^-1 h^-1 for mesoporous CuO/TiO₂, a significant increase from 0.38 mmol g^-1 h^-1 for unmodified TiO₂.
• Demonstrated stable HER performance over 10 hours and cyclic measurements over 60 hours.
• Confirmed excellent long-term stability (>1 year) against photochemical and wet-chemical erosion.

Conclusions:

• The fine decoration of CuO nanostructures and the reducible valence of copper species contribute to superior photocatalytic activity.
• Mesoporous CuO/TiO₂ composites exhibit excellent stability and efficiency for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
• This work presents a promising material for efficient and stable photocatalytic hydrogen production.