Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity by Cu2O Nanoparticles Integrated H2Ti3O7 Nanotubes for Removal of Mercaptan

The Cu2O@H2Ti3O7 nanocomposite was prepared through a facile hydrothermal method. The as-prepared samples were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), N-2 adsorption-desorption measurements and UV-Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS). The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared Cu2O@H2Ti3O7 nanocomposite is evaluated by the oxidation of ethyl mercaptan (EM) under sunlight irradiation. The results indicate that the Cu2O nanoparticles are integrated uniformly on H2Ti3O7 nanotubes, and the absorption edge of the nanocomposite has obviously shifted to visible light region compared to H2Ti3O7 nanotubes. There is an obvious synergistic effect existing between the dispersed Cu2O nanoparticles and H2Ti3O7 nanotubes, and the Cu2O@H2Ti3O7 composite shows stronger visible spectral response and wider absorbance. Then, an enchanced photodegradation activity is obtained for the removal of EM under sunlight irradiation compared to its precursors.