Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over Cu3Mo2O9/TiO2 p-n heterojunction

Abstract

The heterojunction formed by semiconductors with a matching electronic energy level structure can effectively promote charge transfer, thereby greatly improving the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of the catalyst. Herein, the Cu3Mo2O9/TiO2 hybrid was prepared via a simple mechanical mixing method. In the binary composite, the p-n heterojunction formed between Cu3Mo2O9 and TiO2 can favor the charge separation, resulting in excellent hydrogen production rate of 3401.9 μmol·g−1·h−1, it is 14.5-fold of pristine TiO2. According to the optional and photoelectrochemical properties, it can be confirmed that Cu3Mo2O9 plays a pivotal role in accelerating charge transfer and improving light absorption capacity of the composite. As a new type of photocatalyst, there is very limited information on Cu3Mo2O9 for its application in photocatalytic hydrogen production. This work provides the possibility to expand application range of Cu3Mo2O9 in energy conversion.