Cubic Cuprous Oxide-Based Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation

Semiconductor nanophotocatalysts with high performance for hydrogen (H-2) generation require well-designed and optimized interfaces. This work aimed at the rational design and facile assembly of a highly efficient 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfophenyl)porphyrin/Cu2O (TSPP/Cu2O) heteroarchitectural nanocomposite photocatalyst. The assembly mechanism was explored in detail by spectroscopy and calculation. It was confirmed that the excellent photoactive conjugate molecule TSPP was strongly anchored onto the cubic Cu2O by facilely combined coordination with a hydrogen bond, which was profitable for inhibiting the oxidation of Cu2O and aggregation among TSPP molecules. Importantly, it was shown that the TSPP/Cu2O nanocomposite possessed higher activity. On the basis of the results of fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements, the increased optical structure and dual interfacial interaction between TSPP and Cu2O were beneficial to improving the transfer of charge carriers. Therefore, the performance was greatly improved. It could provide a convenient approach for exploring highly efficient nanophotocatalysts for H-2 generation.