ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Synthesis and modification of zinc oxide/copper oxide for photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds and photoproduction of hydrogen peroxide: a review

Le Minh Huong, Nguyen Hung Vu, Nguyen Minh Dat, Nguyen Thanh Hoai Nam, and Nguyen Huu Hieu

VNU-HCM, Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Processing (Key CEPP Lab), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

E-mail: nhhieubk@hcmut.edu.vn

Abstract:

In recent years, zinc oxide/copper oxide (ZnO/CuO) heterojunctions have attracted significant interest due to their excellent optical properties, biocompatibility, and synergistic charge-diffusion capabilities that mitigate the individual drawbacks of both ZnO and CuO. This review comprehensively explores the charge-diffusion pathways in ZnO/CuO, highlighting how the traditional p–n junction model falls short of the more scientifically robust S-scheme heterojunction model in explaining the material’s strong redox potential. Furthermore, the review details various synthesis strategies-such as individual growth, simultaneous precipitation, and plant extract-assisted controlled growth-alongside critical modifications including metal and non-metal doping, facet engineering, and heterojunction structuring. Finally, the practical viability of ZnO/CuO and its derivatives is evaluated, emphasizing their high efficiency in the photodegradation of highly resistant, multi-ring organic pollutants, photoproduction of green energy carriers, and current advances in the application of ZnO/CuO in various fields. Limitations in the current utilization of ZnO/CuO-based heterojunctions are also provided in detail.

Graphical abstract

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-05169-7

Chemical Papers 80 (11) 12723–12742 (2026)