Cu(OH)2-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production

Cu(OH)2/TNAs photocatalyst was prepared by loading Cu(OH)2 nanoparticles on TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) using a chemical bath deposition method. The amount of Cu(OH)2 loaded on the arrays was controlled by the repeated deposition times. The prepared catalyst was used to generate hydrogen under simulated solar light irradiation, and the results demonstrated that the hydrogen yield of Cu(OH)2/TNAs was 20.3 times that of the pure TNAs. Furthermore, the photocatalytic efficiency for hydrogen production decreased only 5.8% after five cycles, indicating that Cu(OH)2/TNAs photocatalyst showed excellent stability and reusability. This work presents an applicable and facile method to fabricate a highly active and stable photocatalyst for hydrogen production.