Enhanced desulfurization performance of model fuel by Cu–ZnO/TiO2 heterostructure

A facile hydrothermal approach was employed to synthesize a novel Cu–ZnO/TiO2 Z-heterojunction with a high density of defects, which was then utilized for the oxidative desulfurization process, demonstrating excellent photodegradation performance. The results showed that by adjusting components such as Cu, ZnO, and TiO2, the removal efficiency of DBT reached 88.12% within a duration of 240 min. In the 5 repeated experiments, 7.5%Cu–ZnO/TiO2 still exhibited high stability and could be reused. The improved photocatalytic performance of the 7.5%Cu–ZnO/TiO2 composite can be attributed to its high light absorption capability and well-matched energy levels, which are due to the abundant presence of imperfections. The adoption of a Z-heterojunction has enabled efficient separation and transfer of photo-generated electrons and holes (e−/h+), thereby reducing the probability of charge carrier recombination.