Well-defined Cu2O photocatalysts for solar fuels and chemicals. Issue 10 (15th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rej, Sourav; Bisetto, Matteo; Naldoni, Alberto; Fornasiero, Paolo
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 9:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: 5915
• Page End: 5951
• Publication Date: 2021-02-15
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d0ta10181h
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : In this review, we critically discuss the recent advances, developments and remaining challenges and future development on photocatalytic application of well-defined hybrid Cu2 O nanostructures for organic reactions, H2 evolution and CO2 reduction. Abstract : The shape-controlled synthesis of cuprous oxide (Cu2 O) photocatalysts with both low or high index crystal planes has received increasing attention due to their unique facet-dependent properties. Since they are cheap and earth abundant, these well-defined Cu2 O nanostructures are extensively used for different photocatalytic reactions, also because of their strong visible light absorption capability. However, further development will still be needed to enhance the efficiency and photostability of Cu2 O to expand its industrial application. We start this review by summarizing the synthetic advancement in the facet engineering of Cu2 O and other associated hybrid Cu2 O-based heterostructures with a special emphasis put on their growth mechanism. We then discuss different facet-dependent properties, which are relevant to photocatalysis. In the subsequent section, we present a critical discussion on the photocatalytic performance of faceted Cu2 O nanostructures during organic synthesis, hydrogen production, and carbon dioxide photoreduction. The relation between photocatalytic efficiency and product selectivity with exposed crystal facets or with different compositions of hybrid nanostructures is also discussed. Finally, important strategies are proposed to overcome the photostability issue, while outlining the course of future development to further boost the technological readiness of well-defined Cu2 O-based photocatalysts.