Hierarchical Cu2O foam/g-C3N4 photocathode for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production

• Published in: Applied surface science 2018-01, Vol.427, p.907-916
• Main Authors: Ma, Xinzhou, Zhang, Jingtao, Wang, Biao, Li, Qiuguo, Chu, Sheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon nitride; Composite; Cuprous oxide; H2 production; PEC; Water splitting
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.09.075

[Display omitted] •Novel hierarchical Cu2O foam/g-C3N4 photocathodes are prepared through electrochemical deposition/calcination/dip-coating route.•The Cu2O foam/g-C3N4 photocathodes demonstrate significantly enhanced PEC performances compared to the most widely studied Cu2O film counterparts.•The improved PEC performances are mainly attributed to the p-n junction formed at the Cu2O foam/g-C3N4 photocathodes achieving high photogenerated electron concentrations and preventing corrosion of Cu2O. Solar photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production is a promising way for solving energy and environment problems. Earth-abundant Cu2O is a potential light absorber for PEC hydrogen production. In this article, hierarchical porous Cu2O foams are prepared by thermal oxidation of the electrochemically deposited Cu foams. PEC performances of the Cu2O foams are systematically studied and discussed. Benefiting from their higher light harvesting and more efficient charge separation, the Cu2O foams demonstrate significantly enhanced photocurrents and photostability compared to their film counterparts. Moreover, by integrating g-C3N4, hierarchical Cu2O foam/g-C3N4 composites are prepared with further improved photocurrent and photostability, appearing to be potential photocathodes for solar PEC hydrogen production. This study may provide a new and useful insight for the development of Cu2O-based photocathodes for PEC hydrogen production.