A Heterojunction CuO/N-TiOPhotocatalyst for Highly Efficient Visible Light-Driven Hydrogen Production.

N-doped TiO effectively extends the light response range of TiO photocatalysts from the ultraviolet to the visible region; a p-n heterojunction would favor the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, leading to high quantum efficiency, and consequently, enhanced photocatalysis. A CuO/N-TiO hybrid catalyst with p-n heterojunctions was newly prepared using a solvothermal and chemical reduction method. The hierarchical structure and valence state of copper of the CuO/N-TiO catalyst have been confirmed using X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The hybrid CuO/N-TiO catalyst demonstrated good photostability and excellent photocatalytic activity toward H production, with a rate of 11 μmol g h under visible light irradiation (>400 nm) of a methanol aqueous solution. This offers an inexpensive and facile approach for potential efficient solar photon-driven H production. Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]