Highly efficient CuO incorporated TiO2 nanotube photocatalyst for hydrogen production from water

Highly dispersed CuO was introduced into TiO2 nanotube (TNT) made by hydrothermal method via adsorption–calcination process or wet impregnation process, to fabricate CuO incorporated TNT photocatalysts (CuO-TNT) for hydrogen production. It was found that CuO-TNT possessed excellent hydrogen generation activity, which was constantly vigorous throughout 5 h reaction. Depending on the preparation method, hydrogen evolution rates over CuO-TNT were founded in the range of 64.2–71.6 mmol h−1 g−1catalyst, which was much higher than the benchmark P25 based photocatalysts, and even superior to some Pt/Ni incorporated TNT. This high photocatalytic activity of CuO-TNT was mainly attributed to the unique 1-D tubular structure, large BET surface area and high dispersion of copper component. Compared to wet impregnation, adsorption–calcination process was superior to produce active photocatalyst, since it was prone to produce photocatalyst with more highly dispersed CuO.

► CuO incorporated TiO2 nanotube (CuO-TNT) was highly active for hydrogen production.
► Activity of CuO-TNT was much higher than P25 based CuO-TiO2.
► Activity of CuO-TNT was superior to some noble metal loaded TiO2 nanotube.
► Adsorption–calcination method was superior to wet impregnation method.