Cube Cu2O modified CoAL-LDH p-n heterojunction for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The construction of a reasonable interface structure can directionally regulate carrier transference for photocatalyst and improve photocatalytic performance. In this work, the p-type and cube Cu2O as electrons donor engaged with the n-type and laminated CoAl-LDH as electrons acceptor through a way of electrostatic self-assembly. The formation of p-n heterojunction was accelerated by the opposite surface electronegativity of CoAl-LDH and Cu2O. The matching energy band of CoAl-LDH and Cu2O was a viable thermodynamic path for the transference of electrons. More crucially, the strong internal electric field in p-n heterojunction greatly improved the charges separation and diversion, which enhanced the number of electrons participating in reduction reactions. Furthermore, the more negative LUMO potential of EY can also provide electrons for the conduction band of semiconductor photocatalyst. Its optical and electrochemistry results demonstrated effective transference and separation of photo-induced charges. The ground on these prominent photo-catalytic advantages, the CC-15 exhibited excellent hydrogen evolution activities achieved 66.1 mu mol that was 5.2 and 9.3 times higher than the CoAl-LDH and Cu2O. This study provided a new strategy for the construction of a reasonable interface structure.