Crystallization-mediated amorphous Cu_xO (x = 1, 2)/crystalline CuI p–p type heterojunctions with visible light enhanced and ultraviolet light restrained photocatalytic dye degradation performance

Highlights: • Cu_xO(x = 1, 2)/CuI p–p type heterojunctions were facilely constructed via crystallization-mediated approaches. • Cu_xO/CuI heterojunctions exhibit effective visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity for dye degradation. • The Cu_xO/CuI interface can enhance the spatial separation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. • This work represents a critical step for mass production of functional semiconductor heterojunctions in a mild manner. - Abstract: We report simple and cost-effective fabrication of amorphous Cu_xO (x = 1, 2)/crystalline CuI p–p type heterojunctions based on crystallization-mediated approaches including antisolvent crystallization and crystal reconstruction. Starting from CuI acetonitrile solution, large crystals in commercial CuI can be easily converted to aggregates consisting of small particles by the crystallization processes while the spontaneous oxidation of CuI by atmospheric/dissolved oxygen can induce the formation of trace Cu_xO on CuI surface. As a proof of concept, the as-fabricated Cu_xO/CuI heterojunctions exhibit effective photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methyl blue and other organic pollutants under visible light irradiation, although the wide band-gap semiconductor CuI is insensible to visible light. Unexpectedly, the Cu_xO/CuI heterojunctions exhibit restrained photocatalytic activity when ultraviolet light is applied in addition to the visible. It is suggested that the Cu_xO/CuI interface can enhance the spatial separation of the electron–hole pairs with the excitation of Cu_xO under visible light and prolong the lifetime of photogenerated charges with high redox ability. The present work represents a critically important step in advancing the crystallization technique for potential mass production of semiconductor heterojunctions in a mild manner.