Synergy effect over electrodeposited submicron Cu2O films in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

In the study, we report a simple method to fabricate semiconductor Cu2O films by using a potentiostatic method. The obtained thin films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM). The obtained Cu2O films are composed of submicron particles with sizes in the range from tens to several hundreds of nanometers. The photocatalytic activity over the Cu2O films was investigated under simulated solar light. A strong synergy effect between H2O2 and Cu2O films in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue has been observed. The binary H2O2/Cu2O systems exhibit high catalytic ability under the solar irradiation. The results show that Cu2O films can be used as a reliable platform for environmental remediation by using solar energy.

► Cu2O films have been prepared by electrodeposition. ► A strong effect between H2O2 and Cu2O films has been observed. ► Cu2O films can be used as a reliable platform for environmental remediation.