Template synthesis of copper oxide nanowires for photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation

•Copper oxide nanowires were synthesized through thermal transformation of Cu(OH)2.•High PEC activity of copper oxide nanowires included Cu2O and CuO can be achieved.•IPCE data reveal the wide photoresponse in the near-infrared wavelength of 920 nm.

The direct-grown p-type copper oxide nanowires on copper foil were fabricated via a facile and cost-effective template route for photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation. The dense and curl-shaped copper oxide nanowires were carried out through thermal transformation of one-dimensional Cu(OH)2. The effect of thermal treatment on structure and composition revealed the phase transformation to CuO and Cu2O within the nanowire matrix by examinations of XRD and XPS. Significantly, PEC characteristics illustrated that the high active photocathode of copper oxide nanowires can achieve the photocurrent of −1.3 mA cm−2 at a potential of −0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl, corresponding to the solar conversion efficiency of 1.3%. The photoresponse of this hybrid copper oxide nanowires widely extended in the near-infrared wavelength of 920 nm, which have great potential application for light-harvesting device.

Graphical abstractHigh active photocathode of copper oxide nanowires included the coexistence of Cu2O and CuO phases can achieve the photocurrent of −1.3 mA cm−2 at a potential of −0.4 V, corresponding to the solar conversion efficiency of 1.3%.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide