The optimization of CuxO microwires synthesis for improvement in photoelectrochemical performance

One of the most important challenges in the fabrication of CuxO microstructures via the electrochemical method is formation of long, regular and well-packed microwires with good adhesion on the Cu substrate and to achieve better photoelectrochemical properties, which can be potentially applied in solar-driven water splitting and CO2 conversion to light hydrocarbons. In this paper, Cu2O photoelectrode has been fabricated by direct anodization of the Cu foil, then CuO microwires (MWs) was formed by calcination process. The effect of the applied potential (10-40 V), sodium fluoride content in the electrolyte (0.2-0.5% wt.) as well as calcination conditions (400-500 degrees C, 60-360 min) on the morphology, phase composition, optical and photoelectrochemical properties was investigated. The highest photocurrent response was-0.71 mA cm-2 for the sample 0.35% _10V_400 degrees C_60min with 0.83 mu m length and 154 nm diameter. The mechanism of the photocurrent generation process in the presence of CuxO/Cu under UV-Vis irradiation was proposed.

Automated summary

In this paper, CuxO microstructures were successfully fabricated via the electrochemical method with long, regular and well-packed CuO microwires. The effects of applied potential, sodium fluoride content, and calcination conditions on the morphology, phase composition, optical and photoelectrochemical properties were investigated. The highest photocurrent response was achieved for the sample with 0.35% sodium fluoride content, 10V applied potential, 400 degrees C calcination temperature, and 60 minutes calcination time. The mechanism of photocurrent generation in the presence of CuxO/Cu under UV-Vis irradiation was proposed.