Herein, we have prepared Cu2O nanobelt thin film by polyol method and p-type and n-type Cu2O thin film through simple chemical deposition method. It is found that conduction type can be easily tuned by only adjusting pH value. Moreover, we have discovered that Cu anode oxidation method can be used to fabricate p-type Cu2O thin film with various nanostructures. The prepared p-type and n-type Cu2O thin films onto Cu surface as electrodes are used for catalytic reduction of CO2 in photoelectrochemical system in comparison with that in photochemical and electrochemical systems. The results show that CH4 and C2H4 are the major hydrocarbon products and the presence of Cu2O thin film on Cu surface has much higher selectivity for C2H4 formation. The best yield for CO2 reduction is obtained in the photoelectrochemical system under visible light. Additionally, CO2 conversion efficiency over Cu/Cu2O (n-type) electrode is improved more greatly than that over Cu/Cu2O (p-type) in photoelectrochemical system. Furthermore, the Cu/Cu2O electrodes may be used in practice since Cu2O on Cu substrate is stable. The study provides us new insight on efficient conversion of CO2 into organic fuel under solar light.

Preparation of nanostructured Cu<sub>2</sub>O thin films and its application to CO<sub>2</sub> conversion to organic fuel

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Preparation of nanostructured Cu2O thin films and its application to CO2 conversion to organic fuel

Preparation of nanostructured Cu₂O thin films and its application to CO₂ conversion to organic fuel