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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Connecting theory with experiment to understand the photocatalytic activity of CuO-ZnO heterostructure

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Author(s):
Oliveira, M. C. [1] ; Fonseca, V. S. [1] ; Andrade Neto, N. F. [1] ; Ribeiro, R. A. P. [2] ; Longo, E. [2] ; de Lazaro, S. R. [3] ; Motta, V, F. ; Bomio, M. R. D. [4]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Rio Grande do Norte, Dept Mat Engn, LSQM Lab Chem Synth Mat, POB 1524, BR-59078900 Natal, RN - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, CDMF LIEC, POB 676, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Estadual Ponta Grossa, Dept Chem, Av Gen Carlos Cavalcanti, POB 4748, BR-84030900 Ponta Grossa, De - Brazil
[4] Motta, F., V, Univ Fed Rio Grande do Norte, Dept Mat Engn, LSQM Lab Chem Synth Mat, POB 1524, BR-59078900 Natal, RN - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL; v. 46, n. 7, p. 9446-9454, MAY 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Semiconductor based photocatalysis attracts wide attention because of its ability to directly utilize solar energy to degrade pollutants and convert energy, with heterojunction photocatalysts being good candidates for superior activity due to the spatial separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Herein, CuO/ZnO heterostructures were successfully synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, with the structure, electronic and photocatalytic properties analyzed by means of experimental and theoretical methods. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that a CuO/ZnO heterostructure was formed, while FE-SEM analysis indicates the role of different morphologies for CuO, ZnO and CuO/ZnO heterostructures. The solar-driven photocatalytic measurements combined with DFT calculations indicate that CuO, as a p-type and narrow band-gap sensitizer, can make the n-type ZnO respond to visible light and promote the separation of photogenerated charge carriers by building a p-n heterogeneous structure. As a result, the CuO/ZnO heterostructure shows good promise for solar-driven photodegradation. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
Grantee:Elson Longo da Silva
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC