Preparation of Cu2O/TiO2 composite porous carbon microspheres as efficient visible light-responsive photocatalysts

In this paper, Cu2O/TiO2 composite porous microspheres were prepared in the absence of templates and additives by a simple hydrothermal method using Cu(CH3COO)2·H2O and (NH4)2TiF6 as precursors. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by the photo-degradation of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution under the visible-light illumination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the preparation and photocatalytic activity of Cu2O/TiO2 composite porous microspheres with a template-free hydrothermal method. This work may provide new insights into preparing other inorganic porous microspheres.

The Cu2O/TiO2 composite porous microspheres were used as visible light-responsive photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in water under light irradiation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Cu2O/TiO2 composite porous microspheres were prepared a simple hydrothermal method.
► The porous microspheres can be used as a visible light-responsive photo-catalyst.
► Degradation of MB is more effective at the neutral and alkaline environment.