Synthesis and evaluation of the methylene blue removal ability of Cu2O nanoparticles/TiO2 nanotubes heterostructure

Cu2O nanoparticles loaded TiO2 nanotubes (Cu2O/TNTs) were synthesized by photoreduction method for the enhancement of photocatalyst activity of TNTs under sunlight condition. Characteristic properties of these materials were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). XPS spectra confirmed the existence of Cu2O nanoparticles in the sample. The photocatalytic activity of Cu2O/TNTs was evaluated by the survey of the removal of methylene blue (MB) solution under direct sunlight condition. The discoloration of MB solution by Cu2O/TNTs was faster and better than by TNTs after 30 minute – irradiation. The MB removal efficiency of Cu2O/TNTs was up to 89.7 % with the above condition. The results of this study demonstrated that this material for the treatment of the toxic organic substances in the polluted water poses extremely potentials.