Zn2 +-assisted synthesis of concave Cu2O crystals and enhanced photocatalytic properties

• The effects of Zn2 + on the structure Cu2O crystals were investigated.
• Zn2 + ions can transform the surface curvature of Cu2O from convex to concave.
• Concave trisoctahedron Cu2O exhibited higher catalytic activity for MO degradation.

The effects of Zn2 + on the structure Cu2O crystals and photocatalytic decoloration of methylene orange (MO) were studied. Samples were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), and Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopic (UV–VIS). The results indicated that Zn2 + ions can transform the surface curvature of Cu2O microcrystals from convex to concave. Tests of photodecoloration showed that the concave trisoctahedron Cu2O microcrystals exhibited higher catalytic activity than those of octahedra Cu2O and convex Cu2O for MO under visible light.

The surface curvature of Cu2O microcrystals can be transformed from convex to concave via Zn2 + inducing. The concave Cu2O exhibited higher catalytic activity than those of octahedra Cu2O and convex Cu2O for MO.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide