Hierarchical Cu2O foam/g-C3N4 photocathode for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production

Solar photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production is a promising way for solving energy and environment problems. Earth-abundant Cu 2 O is a potential light absorber for PEC hydrogen production. In this article, hierarchical porous Cu 2 O foams are prepared by thermal oxidation of the electrochemically deposited Cu foams. PEC performances of the Cu 2 O foams are systematically studied and discussed. Benefiting from their higher light harvesting and more efficient charge separation, the Cu 2 O foams demonstrate significantly enhanced photocurrents and photostability compared to their film counterparts. Moreover, by integrating g-C 3 N 4 , hierarchical Cu 2 O foam/g-C 3 N 4 composites are prepared with further improved photocurrent and photostability, appearing to be potential photocathodes for solar PEC hydrogen production. This study may provide a new and useful insight for the development of Cu 2 O-based photocathodes for PEC hydrogen production.