Constructing NiFe-LDH wrapped Cu2O nanocube heterostructure photocatalysts for enhanced photocatalytic dye degradation and CO2 reduction via Z-scheme mechanism.

Considering the flexible chemical composition, tunable electronic properties and unique two-dimensional structure of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), we constructed NiFe-LDH/Cu 2 O heterostructure photocatalysts. The photocatalytic performance of NiFe-LDH/Cu 2 O heterostructure photocatalysts was evaluated by methyl blue (MB) degradation and CO 2 reduction under visible-light illumination. The removal efficiency of MB was improved from 20% for Cu 2 O and 45% for NiFe-LDH to 93% for NiFe-LDH/Cu 2 O after 30 min adsorption and 240 min visible-light irradiation. Moreover, CH 4 yield from CO 2 reduction over NiFe-LDH/Cu 2 O is about 5.6 and 6.9 times that of NiFe-LDH and Cu 2 O, respectively. Based on a detailed study of structural, electronic, optical and electrochemical properties, Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism was proposed to explain the enhanced photocatalytic performance of NiFe-LDH/Cu 2 O. This work presents an inexpensive and flexible strategy for manufacturing heterostructure photocatalysts using earth-abundant elements. • NiFe-LDH/Cu 2 O heterostructure photocatalysts were successfully prepared by a co-precipitation method. • MB removal efficiency can be improved from 20% for Cu 2 O and 45% for NiFe-LDH to 93% for NiFe/Cu 2 O。. • CH 4 yield from CO 2 photoreduction over NiFe-LDH/Cu 2 O is 5.6 and 6.9 times of NiFe-LDH and Cu 2 O, respectively. • Z-scheme mechanism is proposed, which is responsible for promoted charge separation and higher redox potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]