Recent Progress in Copper Based Photocatalysts: (A-Review)

Abstract

Cu is extremely cheaper and more easily recyclable than Au, Ag. Additionally, Cu nanomaterials induced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) has been found to be tuned from visible to the near infrared spectrum by changing their shape and size and it provides Schottky junction when it is combined with other semiconductor material. It has many other remarkable features. For that reason, Cu based photocatalysis has become a research hotspot in view of its enormous practical applications in dye degradation, catalysis, photocatalytic H2 production, photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) and other topics. Herein, we review the latest advances in copper-based photocatalysts in many fields and their improved activity due to LSPR, Schottky barier etc. The outstanding characteristics of Cu, principle of LSPR of copper combined with different nanomaterials during photocatalysis are also discussed in detail.