Green synthesis of bi-component copper oxide composites and enhanced photocatalytic performance

Abstract

A facile and green route was proposed for the synthesis of bi-component copper oxide composite without any templates and additives. The effects of D-(+)-glucose amount, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the morphology and constitution of the products were investigated by SEM, X-ray diffraction, and UV-vis DRS in detail. The results indicate that a series of Cu₂O–CuO bi-component copper oxide composites with various morphologies can be easily obtained. Structure characterisation and photocatalytic tests show that the bi-component Cu₂O–CuO composites exhibited better photodecolouration of methylene blue than those of the Cu₂O, CuO, and Cu–CuO compounds owing to the existence of the synergistic effect between the CuO and Cu₂O.

Keywords:

• Green synthesis
• Cu₂O–CuO
• Bi-components composite

Acknowledgements

This work is supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51202003 and No. 21101002), Natural Science Foundation of the Higher Education Institutions of Anhui Province, China (Grant No. KJ2012A036) and National College Student Innovation Imbark Training Program Foundation of China (Grant No. 201210363099 and No. 201310363064).