Construction of Cu2O/In2O3 Hybrids with p–n Heterojunctions for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

Fabrication of p-n heterojunction materials is an efficient strategy for improving the photocatalytic activity by suppressing the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. In this study, a p-n heterojunction consisting of Cu₂O and In₂O₃ was synthesized using the hydrothermal in situ deposition method. The Cu₂O/In₂O₃ hybrid exhibited enhanced performance in the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction and degradation of organic pollutants compared with pure Cu₂O and In₂O₃. The sensitization of In₂O₃ by Cu₂O considerably enhanced the light response of the Cu₂O/In₂O₃ hybrid, and the close contact between In₂O₃ and Cu₂O led to the generation of the p-n heterojunction. The photoelectrochemical properties test proved that the successful fabrication of the p-n heterojunction in the Cu₂O/In₂O₃ hybrid promoted the transfer of photoinduced electrons and holes and inhibited the recombination of photogenerated carriers efficiently. The present strategy provides an efficient approach to improve the performance of photocatalysts through the fabrication of p-n heterojunctions.