Dual-functional Cu-Fe Co-Doped TiO₂ photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen production and phenol degradation

Abstract

This study presents a novel dual-functional photocatalyst, Cu-Fe co-doped TiO₂, that simultaneously addresses two critical global challenges: environmental pollution and sustainable energy production. Unlike most existing research focused on a single functionality, this study explores the synergistic effects of Cu and Fe doping on TiO₂, leading to simultaneous phenol degradation and hydrogen production under visible light irradiation. The 5Cu5Fe-TiO₂ photocatalyst, co-doped with 5 wt.% Cu and 5 wt.% Fe, exhibited outstanding performance, degrading 10 ppm of phenol within 6 h while generating 680 μmol/g of hydrogen. The catalyst showed remarkable stability over five recycling cycles without loss of efficiency. The Fe component significantly narrowed the TiO₂ bandgap, enhancing light absorption in the visible region, while the Cu component contributed to the formation of heterojunctions and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effects, promoting efficient charge separation. These combined effects create a highly effective charge transfer mechanism, making the catalyst a promising solution for both environmental remediation and renewable energy generation. This work offers a cost-effective and scalable approach to dual-functional photocatalysis, opening up new avenues for sustainable technology development.