Constructing direct Z-scheme CuO/PI heterojunction for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water under solar driven

Abstract In this article, direct Z-scheme CuO/PI heterojunction photocatalyst is constructed by stripping CuO nanoparticles on the surface of polyimide (PI) through solvothermal method. TEM images display the CuO nanoparticles with {002} active exposure facet highly dispersed on the surface of PI. UV–vis, PL and TRPL spectrums confirm that these photocatalysts possess extend absorption towards visible light region. In-situ XPS technique and photodeposition characterization evidence the direct Z-scheme mechanism. The highest activity of H2 production rate achieved with EY-sensitized 20%CuO/PI photocatalyst reaches to 418.4 μmol g−1 under visible light irradiation, which is 32 times higher than that of pristine PI. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the direct Z-scheme charge transfer in the intimate interfacial between CuO and PI. Yet, no apparent photocatalytic activity decline is detected after four runs. Our work highlights the role of conjugated polymer in constructing efficient low-cost CuO/polymer heterojunction photocatalyst.