Near-infrared light-induced photocatalysis of NaYF4:Yb, Tm@Cu2O core-shell nanocomposites

A new near-infrared-responsive photocatalyst of NaYF4:Yb,Tm@Cu2O have been successfully synthesized by a simple method. Methylene blue as a model pollutant was used to study the photocatalytic activity of NaYF4:Yb,Tm@Cu2O composites, and the energy transfer process between NaYF4:Yb, Tm and Cu2O and the origin of the degradation of pollutants were investigated. It was found that the energy transfer route between NaYF4:Yb, Tm and Cu2O is an important factor for the overall photocatalytic activity. This study suggests a promising system to apply upconversion materials for utilizing the near-infrared light to irradiate Cu2O-based photocatalysts.