Controlled synthesis of CuS-decorated CuO pillars over Cu mesh with improved wettability, photothermal and photocatalytic properties

Studies have shown that semiconductor compound photocatalysts have a wide range of promising applications in the treatment of environmental pollution. Meanwhile, in nature, the leaves of green plants are almost always lamellar, and photosynthesis in leaves is the most common solar energy conversion system, which involves the process of light absorption and conversion. In this paper, CuS/CuO nanorod arrays with plant-like structures were prepared on Cu mesh by in situ oxidation and successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The effects of oxidation temperature, annealing time and SILAR cycle on the structure and properties of CuS/CuO/Cu Mesh were investigated, and the mechanism of photothermal effect and photocatalysis was further analyzed. The experimental results show that the layered nanostructure and porous morphology of CuS/CuO/Cu mesh can reduce photon spillage and have better photothermal, wettability and photocatalytic properties. CuS/CuO/Cu mesh degraded MB and MO up to 92.7% and 86% in 180 min, while it still has good stability after 8 cycles. Compared with powder and microbial catalyst, CuS/CuO/Cu mesh has the advantages of brief preparation time, good stability, reusable, and no secondary pollution, which can bring greater economic benefits and better sewage treatment effect. Graphical abstract