Stable Cu2O@g-C3N4 core@shell nanostructures: Efficient visible-light photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Cu2O@g-C3N4 core@shell composites were prepared by a combined solvothermal and chemisorption method, in which g-C3N4 was successfully coated onto Cu2O nanospheres via a spontaneous adsorption process. The results showed that the g-C3N4-coated Cu2O nanospheres possessed significantly improved activity for photocatalytic hydrogen production, compared to that of pure Cu2O and g-C3N4, respectively, reaching an optimal yield of up to 606.86 mu mol g(-1) in 3 h at a g-C3N4 content of 5 wt%. The improved photocatalytic performance was due to the synergistic effects of large contact area, specific energy band structure, and enhanced charge separation at the interface of Cu2O and g-C3N4. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.