Silicon nanowire array/Cu2O crystalline core–shell nanosystem for solar-driven photocatalytic water splitting

P-type Cu2O nanocrystals were deposited on n-type silicon nanowire arrays (Si NWs) to form core–shell heterojunction arrays structure via a simple electroless deposition technique. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope and x-ray diffraction were utilized to characterize the morphology and structure of the core–shell nanosystem. The reflectivity of the obtained core–shell structure measured by UV/vis spectrometry showed a comparatively low reflectivity in the visible-light region, which implied good optical absorption performance. The water splitting performance of the obtained Si NWs, planar Si/Cu2O structure and Si NW/Cu2O core–shell nanosystem were studied. Owing to the large specific surface area, heterojunctions formed between Cu2O nanocrystallites and Si NWs and the light trapping effect of the NW array structure, the photocatalytic performance of the Si NW/Cu2O core–shell nanosystem increased markedly compared with that of pure silicon NWs and a planar Si/Cu2O structure, which means excellent hydrogen production capacity under irradiation with simulated sunlight. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of the core–shell nanosystem was improved obviously after platinum nanoparticles were electrodeposited on it. (paper)