CuO/Cu2O nanowire arrays grafted by reduced graphene oxide: synthesis, characterization, and application in photocatalytic reduction of CO2

Abstract

CuO/Cu₂O nanowire arrays (NWAs) were prepared on a Cu foil substrate through a simple thermal process. The NWAs were then grafted with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets via self-assembly. The combination of various characterization techniques including SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS revealed the unique integration between CuO/Cu₂O NWAs and umbrella-like rGO nanosheets. The CuO/Cu₂O NWAs@rGO sample was found to be more active than bare CuO/Cu₂O NWAs for the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ under simulated solar light. The improved photocatalytic activity was attributed to the slow recombination of charge carriers and the efficient transfer of photo-generated electrons through rGO nanosheets.