Three-dimensional ordered macroporous g-C3N4-Cu2O-TiO2 heterojunction for enhanced hydrogen production

In this study, a g-C3N4-Cu2O-TiO2 photocatalyst with novel three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) structure was successfully prepared using sacrificial template strategy and photodeposition method. The influence of the special porous cross pore channels on photocatalytic properties as-prepared sample studied in detail. Compared original (TiO2 3 wt% Pt), exhibited higher specific surface area more active sites, thus accelerating separation efficiency photogenerated electron-hole pair. Consequently, showed good performance, reaching maximum hydrogen production rate 12,108 µmol g−1 h−1 approximately five times than that pristine comparison sample. enhanced photoactivity heterojunction can be ascribed to its double p-n robust structure, where photodeposited Cu2O plays synergistic catalytic role process outer clad g-C3N4 layer prevents oxidation. Additionally, possible mechanism briefly discussed based experimental results. This work identifies viable pathways for developing low-cost photocatalysts highly efficient activity toward improved solar energy conversion.