Construction and photocatalytic performance of delafossite-type CuAlO2/CuGaO2 heterostructure

The study aimed to synthesize and characterize a delafossite-type CuAlO 2 /CuGaO 2 heterostructure and assess its photocatalytic performance. CuAlO 2 particle was synthesized through a high-temperature solid-state reaction and subsequently combined with a CuGaO 2 precursor solution via hydrothermal processing , resulting in the formation of a Type-II CuAlO 2 /CuGaO 2 heterostructure . Electrochemical analysis revealed the superior performance of the heterostructure compared to individual CuAlO 2 and CuGaO 2 photocatalysts . The heterostructure exhibited increased carrier concentration, enhanced redox capabilities, superior electrochemical stability, and reduced interfacial resistance . Photocatalytic experiments, focusing on tetracycline hydrochloride degradation, demonstrated the remarkable oxidation potential of the CuAlO 2 /CuGaO 2 heterostructure, outperforming CuAlO 2 and CuGaO 2 degradation rates by factors of 2.38 and 2.82, respectively. This outstanding performance can be attributed to the unique architecture of the heterostructure, facilitating the selective migration of photogenerated electrons and holes to the appropriate energy levels of the constituent materials, thereby enhancing charge carrier separation efficiency. Furthermore, investigations into photocatalytic water splitting highlighted the notable reduction activity of the CuAlO 2 /CuGaO 2 heterostructure, resulting in hydrogen production rates exceeding those of CuAlO 2 and CuGaO 2 by factors of 1.12 and 2.84, respectively. These findings underscore the superior performance of the CuAlO 2 /CuGaO 2 heterostructure across various photocatalytic reactions, emphasizing its broad applicability.