Delafossite CuGaO2 as promising visible-light-driven photocatalyst: synthesize, properties, and performances

3R-delafossite CuGaO2 sample with high crystallinity and single phase was prepared by simple low-temperature hydrothermal method. The fundamental physicochemical properties of 3R-delafossite CuGaO2 were systematically studied by density functional theory calculations and experimental characterization. Through a series of characterization, analysis, (photo)electrochemical and photocatalytic activity testing, the as-prepared CuGaO2 samples exhibit the potential for hydrogen production and high photocatalytic degradation for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). Furthermore, CuGaO2 photoelectrode exhibits long-term stability and large photocurrent density. These observations suggest that 3R-delafossite CuGaO2 is a potential promising photocatalyst driven by visible-light. Finally, possible breakthrough directions of 3R-delafossite CuGaO2 photocatalyst are discussed.