Visible-Light-driven Photocatalytic Properties of Copper(I) Oxide (Cu2O) and Its Graphene-based Nanocomposites

In this study, an improved process was proposed for the synthesis of structure-controlled Cu2O nanoparticles, using a simplified wet chemical method at room temperature. A solution route established to synthesize crystals with various sizes and morphologies. The structure, morphology, optical properties nanoparticles were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, SEM (scanning electron microscope), UV-Vis spectroscopy. By adjusting aqueous mixture solutions NaOH NH2OH•HCl, different morphology size could be realized. Strangely, it found that change in ratio de-ionized water led sizes, while not affected. synthesized crystal samples used as photocatalysts methyl orange (MO) dye decomposition, model molecule, evaluate photocatalytic activities. However, under 200 watts visible light source, there are four without graphene-based nanocomposite NPs. results showed that, compared roughly spherical, irregular but thick plates, brick small granule spheres shaped provided better activity. sample platelet-like shapes, having average particle 0.53 µm, exhibited excellent activity (99.08% degradation). addition, reducing particles preparing their graphene composition, one can fabricate (Cu2-Cu2Gr) highest efficiency which has significantly comparison others. This work represents innovative strategy pre-the-case production nanomaterials shapes is, crystals, through compositing