Preparation and photocatalytic activities of Cu_2O-WO_3 composites

Cuprous oxide(Cu2O) microcubes and Cu2O-WO3 composites had been successfully fabricated by solution-phase reducing method at room temperature.The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer(XRD),field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM).The decoloration rate of dyes for the as-synthesized Cu2O microcubes as photocatalyst were examined at different conditions.The results showed that the decoloration rate of anion dyes were higher and that of cation dyes were lower.The photocatalytic activities of the as-synthesized Cu2O-WO3 composites were studied by monitoring the degradation of cation dyes(methylene blue) solution.It was found that photocatalytic activities of the as-synthesized Cu2O-WO3 composites were more superior than Cu2O microcubes.The decoloration rate of methylene blue was reached 61.8% for 10% Cu2O-WO3.Moreover,the photoluminescence properties of the products were investigated.