Synthesis of 2D WO 3 /Cu 2 O heterojunction nanosheet arrays with enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity and photoelectrochemical performance

The construct of close interface contacts and effective separation of photogenerated carriers is an effective strategy to enhanced the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties of heterostructures. In this paper, the 2D WO 3 /Cu 2 O heterojunction nanosheet arrays were synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method and electrochemical deposition technology. The Cu 2 O nanoparticles deposited on WO 3 surface enhanced the visible light absorption capacity and improved the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. The WO 3 /Cu 2 O heterostructures significantly enhanced the photocatalytic degradation and photoelectrochemical activity, in which the reaction kinetic constant and photocurrent density of WO 3 /Cu 2 O-60 s is nearly 3.3 times and 5 times higher than that of WO 3 , respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performance is mainly due to the formation of pn-junctions at the interface of WO 3 /Cu 2 O heterojunction, which improves the collection of visible light and enhances the separation of electron–hole pairs. Graphical abstract The WO 3 /Cu 2 O heterojunction nanosheet arrays for efficient photocatalytic degradation RhB and photoelectrochemical water splitting. (a) The kinetics of RhB reduction, (b) Schematic representation of PEC water splitting mechanism of WO 3 /Cu 2 O photoelectrode.