A ternary hybrid CuS/Cu2O/Cu nanowired photocathode for photocatalytic fuel cell

Abstract High-performance photocathode development is critically important to improve the solar energy utilization. In this study, a highly-active visible-light responsive photocathode with the ternary hybrid CuS/Cu 2 O/Cu nanowires is proposed to enhance electron transfer via the nanowired and gradient band structure and thereby the solar energy utilization. The experimental results confirm the improved photoelectrochemical activity with the ternary hybrid CuS/Cu 2 O/Cu nanowired photocathode toward oxygen reduction reaction. Besides, a photocatalytic fuel cell with the ternary hybrid CuS/Cu 2 O/Cu nanowired photocathode is also developed for direct power generation accompanying with wastewater treatment. It is demonstrated that the ternary hybrid CuS/Cu 2 O/Cu nanowired photocathode shows promising perspective. This new photocathode can be employed not only for photocatalytic fuel cells but also for other photoelectrochemical systems.