Facile synthesis of Cu2O nanocube/polycarbazole composites and their high visible-light photocatalytic properties

Cu2O nanocube/polycarbazole composites have been prepared by an one-pot solvothermal process using carbazole as a reductant. The polycarbazole layer not only protected and stabilized Cu2O particles, but also prohibited the recombination of photogenerated electrons–holes pair and facilitated interfacial charge transfer between polycarbazole and Cu2O. The composition, structure and morphology of the obtained products was systematically studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–visible spectrophotometer. Furthermore, the visible-light photocatalytic behavior of the Cu2O nanocube/polycarbazole composites on the methyl orange was investigated.

The uniform and monodisperse Cu2O nanocube/polycarbazole composites were prepared by an one-pot solvothermal process. As covered by polycarbazole, the photocatalytic activities of Cu2O nanocubes were improved. The polycarbazole not only protected and stabilized Cu2O cubes, but also prohibited the recombination of photogenerated electrons–holes pair and facilitated interfacial charge transfer between polycarbazole and Cu2O.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The Cu2O/polycarbazole nanocube composite has a better photocatalytic activity.
► We obtained the composite by an one-pot solvothermal process.
► Carbazole monomers as reductants.