Synthesis of Highly-Ordered Ternary CeO2-AuNR-Cu2O Janus Structure with Dual Schottky Junctions for Highly Efficient Photocatalysis
This study reports the synthesis of a ternary CeO2-AuNR-Cu2O Janus structure featuring dual Schottky junctions, achieved via sequential growth of CeO2 and Cu2O crystal domains on AuNR seeds. The dual Schottky junctions and Janus-type CeO2-Cu2O P-N heterostructure significantly enhance charge separation and suppress electron-hole recombination. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of AuNR and a Z-scheme electron transfer pathway further boost photocatalytic performance. The enhancement was demonstrated through model photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution. The proposed strategy improves photocatalytic efficiency and provides insights into electron migration mechanisms, offering new opportunities for advanced nanostructure development in various applications. The synthesis involves precise control over nucleation and growth to achieve a highly-ordered ternary architecture. Characterization confirms the formation of dual Schottky junctions at the CeO2-AuNR and AuNR-Cu2O interfaces, which facilitate directional charge transfer. The Janus structure with spatially separated oxidation and reduction sites enables efficient redox reactions. This work establishes a rational design principle for multi-component photocatalysts with synergistic effects, potentially applicable to environmental remediation and energy conversion.