Synergetic influence of Au/Cu2O core-shells nanoparticle on optical, photo-electrochemical, and catalytic activities of Au/Cu2O/TiO2 nanocomposite

Au/Cu2O/TiO2 core-shell nanorods are successfully synthesized using a facile three-step chemical synthesis technique. The Au nanoparticles core of Au/Cu2O performed as the catalytic activity enhancer, the Cu2O shell acts as a co-catalyst. The Au/Cu2O/TiO2 nanorods show higher photocatalytic performance, excellent recyclability, and stability during the degradation of organic pollutants when compared to pristine TiO2 and Au/TiO2 nanorods, under solar light irradiation. The suitable p-n junction at the interface of Cu2O shell and the TiO2 nanorods contributes to the enhanced catalytic activity. The photo-electrochemical characteristics and the possible catalytic mechanism of Au/Cu2O/TiO2 nanorods under solar light irradiation are also investigated.