Cubic Cu2O combined with TiO2 for ultra-sensitive SERS detection and effective removal of organic molecules

Abstract

Cu₂O/TiO₂ binary composites have been fabricated through a simple hydrothermal self-assembly and calcination process. The formation of a heterojunction between two materials facilitates the separation of charge carriers and promotes charge transfer between the SERS substrate and molecules, achieving a significant improvement in the SERS performance. The minimum limit of detection for methylene blue (MB) is 1.0 × 10⁻⁹ M, and the maximum enhancement factor (EF) of 5.28 × 10⁷ can be obtained. In addition, the novel Cu₂O/TiO₂ heterostructure has excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB molecules, which can be completely degraded and removed within 40 min. The Cu₂O/TiO₂ composite with high SERS sensitivity and self-cleaning properties has great application potential in the environmental field.