CNTs/rGO spheres decorated with CuxO (x = 1 or 2) nanoparticles and its photocatalytic performance

• CNTs/rGO spheres decorated with CuO were successfully synthesized.
• Spray drying and post-calcinating method was adopted.
• The obtained CNTs/rGO–CuO possessed excellent photocatalytic efficiency.

Carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxides (CNTs/rGO) sphere decorated with Cu2O, CuO nanoparticles (CuxO–CNTs/rGO) was successfully synthesized by spray drying and post-calcinating method for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations confirmed that CNTs/rGO formed a spherical micrometer structure and CuxO nanoparticles were decorated on their surface. The experimental results indicated that this novel architecture enhanced photocatalytic performance with 97.5% decomposition of methyl orange (MO) after 20 min in the presence of H2O2 under visible light irradiation, which was much higher than that of pure CuxO powders (31.2%).

Proposed scheme of the fabricated processes of CuxO–CNTs/rGO.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide