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BACKGROUND In photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, hydrogen and oxygen can be dissociated from water molecules on semiconductors by directly utilizing clean renewable solar energy. The key bottleneck of PEC water splitting is to design new types of photoelectrodes with long‐term stability and high PEC performance. RESULTS: Here, cauliflower‐shaped p–n CuO/ZnO heterojunction photocathodes with lattice matching were synthesized using one‐step electrodeposition and heat treatment. The results showed that the deposition of CuO and ZnO took place simultaneously. The proportion of CuO and ZnO varied with the electrodeposition time and calcination temperature and duration. The parallel lattice‐matched CuO/ZnO heterojunction enhanced the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers, which accomplished a photocurrent density value of approximately −1.8 mA cm−2 at a bias of 0 VRHE in 0.5 mol L−1 Na2SO4 solution. CONCLUSIONS: This work could provide a simplified strategy for the synthesis of p–n copper‐based heterogeneous photocathodes for application in PEC water splitting. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Choosing applicable anodes can effectively promote the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). This study introduced a novel method to prepare effective metal‐based anodes modified by carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) derived from candle soot. The CNPs can be firmly coated on the metal and the modified metal surfaces show good hydrophilicity. RESULTS: This study used titanium mesh, stainless steel sheet and copper sheet as the anode's substrate, respectively. CNPs could improve the biocompatibility and electrochemical properties of these metals. The power generation performance of MFCs with CNP‐modified anodes has been dramatically enhanced, and the maximum power density is 616 mW m−2 in MFCs with CNP‐modified titanium mesh anode. CONCLUSION: After CNP modification, the rough surface and excellent biocompatibility could promote the attachment and growth of microorganisms, which may be the main reasons for the improvement of MFC performance. Besides, this method is suitable to modify different metal substrates. The results showed that the CNP‐coated metal anodes could improve the power output of MFCs compared to pure metal anodes. Therefore, this method has significant advantages in the practical application of MFCs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]