The Cu2+ reduction and H2 evolution on the hetero-system CuFeO2/ZnO under visible light

Abstract

The hetero-system CuFeO2/ZnO was successfully used in the Cu2+ reduction under visible light irradiation; it was conducted with varying some important factors such as the initial Cu2+ concentration, mass ratio CuFeO2/ZnO and light flux. The Cu2+ reduction obeys to a first-order kinetic with a half-life of 60 min. The regression in the reduction rate over time is due to the competitive hydrogen evolution. Indeed, the electrons are transferred to water via Cu2+ clusters. Also as application, the H2 evolution is successfully achieved with an evolution rate of 3.42 µmol (g catalyst)−1 min−1 and a quantum yield of 0.5%. The hydrogen is facilitated through generated bifunctional hetero-system because of the low H2 overvoltage on copper.