Estimation of delafossite p-type CuGaO2/ZnO hybrids as semiconductor photocatalyst by controlling particle size

Hybrid structures of semiconductor-based photocatalysts have been developed for water remediation. One of the possible types of hybrid structures is composed of n-type semiconductors like popular ZnO and other p-type semiconductors to separate effectively electrons and holes generated by light. In this study, an n-type ZnO and p-type delafossite CuGaO2 are compounded hydrothermally. It is demonstrated that the morphological figures including particle size, aspect ratio, and specific surface area of the hybrid materials can be controlled. As a result of the photocatalytic activities, the changes caused by controlling specific surface area and morphological traits are observed as degradation speed. [Display omitted] •Hybrid structures of ZnO and CuGaO2 are developed for photocatalytic applications.•It is demonstrated that their morphological figures can be hydrothermally controlled.•The growth of 006-face of CuGaO2 helps to form p-n junctions for carrier separation.