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Cu2O microcrystals with well-formed facets were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The surface stabilities and photocatalytic properties of Cu2O microcrystals were systematically investigated. Cu2O 100 and 110 facets gradually disappear and transform into nanosheets during the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) dye. With the increase of irradiation time, Cu2O microcrystals completely transform into nanosheets with 111 facets. The finally formed nanosheets exhibit stable photocatalytic activities. On the basis of both experimental analysis and theoretical calculations, a novel model of charge separation among crystal faces was proposed and the morphology transformation mechanism accompanied by MO bleaching was discussed. It is concluded that Cu2O exposing 111 facets can be used as a stable photocatalyst.
Zheng et al. (Mon,) studied this question.