Structural Characterization of Cu[sub 2]O After the Evolution of H[sub 2] under Visible Light Irradiation

Abstract

Photocatalysis of powder was investigated to evaluate its ability for the stoichiometric decomposition of water into and . Although thus far it has been indicated that can function as a photocatalyst for the overall water splitting, evolution was found to take place solely while there was no generation of . Moreover, the evolution rate of gradually decreased during prolonged irradiation, and consequently, the evolution of ceased. From the structural analyses of deactivated , it appeared that the evolution originates in the self-oxidation of to CuO.