An in-situ assembled titanate nanotube-based dimensionality-hybrid for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Abstract

Dimensionality-hybrids are potentially functional materials due to their great advantages in obtaining high light absorption and effective electron transfer, which are vital in energy conversion and electronic devices. Herein, a novel dimensionality-hybrid was facilely fabricated by in-situ assembling two-dimensional Co (II) meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin metal organic framework (Co-TCPP MOF) on one-dimensional titanate nanotubes (TNTs). The enhanced light absorption, abundant active sites and improved charge separation and transfer were achieved in the special “dimensionality-hybrid”. Importantly, the obtained TNTs/Co-TCPP MOF exhibited large photocatalytic H2 production compared with some comparisons without adding any cocatalysts. Furthermore, the mechanism of charge transition in the nanohybrid was explored by hydroxyl radical trapping experiment. This research will pave a new way in the fabrication and mechanism exploration of the nano photocatalysts for efficient H2 evolution.