The synthesis of multielement materials based on cuprum-molybdenum and their photocatalytic properties

A series of novel multielement materials based on cuprum-molybdenum were prepared by hydrothermal method by reacting ammonium tetrathiomolybdate with complex compound of cuprous chloride in this paper. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, UV-Vis spectra and XRF techniques, which possess higher crystallinity and exhibit strong absorption in whole wave range. The photocatalytic performance of the catalysts for hydrogen production was researched under visible light irradiation with an aqueous solution containing sacrificial agent. Meanwhile, the influence of the reaction temperature and time on the activities of the catalysts was investigated. The results indicate that the catalyst prepared under hydrothermal condition at 160°C for about 24 hours is the highest activity, and the production rate of hydrogen is around 24.64 μmol·g^-1·h^-1, and the apparent quantum efficiency is 0.86% at 420 nm.