CuS nanoparticle–decorated TiO 2 nanobelts with enhanced electrocatalytic and photocatalytic properties

TiO 2 nanobelts were decorated with CuS nanoparticles to construct TiO 2 @CuS heterostructure though a simple hydrothermal method. The performance of electrocatalysis has been investigated by hydrogen evolution reaction. The overpotential (259 mV) and Tafel slope (102 mV∙dec −1 ) of TC11 are obviously lower than of all other samples. And the photodegradation efficiency of TC11 is 1.3 times that of pure TiO 2 and 8.3 times that of pure CuS. The interface of CuS and TiO 2 can provide matched energy levels and built-in electric field to improve separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and charge transfer efficiency. And the surface of TiO 2 @CuS can provide more active sites for catalysis. Therefore, the heterostructure construction of CuS and TiO 2 can significantly enhance the performances of bi-catalysis: electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. The simple method is a beneficial attempt in the field of renewable clean energy and environmental purification.