TiO2 mesocrystals composited with gold nanorods for highly efficient visible-NIR-photocatalytic hydrogen production. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elbanna, Ossama; Kim, Sooyeon; Fujitsuka, Mamoru; Majima, Tetsuro
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 35(2017:May)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: TiO2 mesocrystal -- Au NRs -- H2 production -- Visible-NIR photocatalysis -- Hot electron -- Charge transfer; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.03.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: TiO2 mesocrystals (TMC) have efficient charge transport properties and long-lived charges which cause high photoconductivity and photocatalytic activity. However, TMC have no absorption in the region of visible and near-Infrared (NIR) light. The optical resonance of Au nanorods (NRs) depending mainly on their length and width (aspect ratio) can be used to design panchromatic absorbers, covering most of the useful solar spectrum. Therefore, in this article, Au NRs and TMC composites were prepared by the ligand exchange method to show highly efficient H2 production (924 µmol h −1 g −1 ) under visible-NIR light irradiation. The efficient H2 production is explained by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Au NRs, electron injection to TMC, efficient charge transport in TMC due to the superstructure of TMC and water reduction on TMC. Single-particle confocal fluorescence microscopy and time-resolved diffuse reflectance measurements confirmed the efficient hot electron injection and charge separation from Au NRs with strong SPR to the superstructure of TMC. Graphical abstract: TiO2 mesocrystals composited with gold nanorods for highly efficient visible-NIR-photocatalytic hydrogen production. Highlights: Au NRs/TMC with tunable light harvesting in visible-NIR region has been prepared. Au NRs/TMC show high photocatalytic activity for H2 production. Single-particle PL and femtosecond TDR confirm hot electron transfer. H2 production is due to LSPR of Au NRs inducing efficient charge separation.