Adsorption and photocatalytic performance of cuprous oxide/titania composite in the degradation of acid red B

Cuprous oxide/titania (Cu2O/TiO2) composites were successfully prepared by the in-situ synthesis method using TiO2 and CuSO4 as precursors. The obtained catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The results showed that the particles size gradually increased with the mass ratio of Cu2O, and an obvious p–n heterojunction was formed between Cu2O and TiO2. In addition, the adsorption and photocatalytic performance of Cu2O/TiO2 composite were evaluated by decolorization experiment of acid red B aqueous solution under sunlight. The results showed that Cu2O/TiO2 composite can effectively adsorb the acid red B through electrostatic attraction, and the 30% Cu2O/TiO2 with largest specific surface area had the best adsorption ability. At the same time, 30% Cu2O/TiO2 composite showed the best photocatalytic activity under sunlight and the less photo-corrosion.