One-step Solvothermal Synthesis of Cu-Cu2O Composite with Improved Photocatalytic Activity under Visible Light Irradiation

Microspheres-like Cu–Cu2O composites were successfully fabricated through a facial one-step solvothermal method. The phase and morphology of Cu-Cu2O composites were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Also, the photodegradation experimental of methyl orange (MO) displayed that the as-obtain Cu–Cu2O composites possess excellent photocatalytic activity. After 120 min visible light irradiation, the photodegradation rate of MO on pure Cu2O and Cu–Cu2O was up to 11.8 and 90.6%, respectively. Moreover, the photodegradation rate of MO on Cu–Cu2O was 19.5 times than that on pure Cu2O. The great photocatalytic activity of Cu–Cu2O composites might be ascribed to the appropriate amount of Cu, which could promote the transfer of photo-generated electrons and restrain the recombination of electron–hole.