LAUSR

AbstractCu2O@Au yolk/shell structures were successfully prepared with a facile self-generated acid etching method at room temperature. The morphology is controllable by adding different amount of HAuCl4·4H2O. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed that Au nanoparticles self-assembled into a porous shell around Cu2O core while the produced etching agent etched the core gradually and formed the cavity. The photocatalytic property of Cu2O@Au yolk/shell structures was studied by degrading MO under the irradiation of visible light at room temperature. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of cavity micro-reactor and electron transfer, the photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared Cu2O@Au yolk/shell structures was much better than that of pure Cu2O. The possible photocatalytic mechanism of the Cu2O@Au yolk/shell catalysts was proposed and elaborated in this study. It is certified that Yolk/shell structures have potential applications in photocatalysis for its active sites on the large specific area.