Constructing a Strong Interfacial Interaction in a Rh/RGO Catalyst to Boost Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution under Visible Light Irradiation

Abstract

Herein, we implanted the Rh2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) by a hydrothermal reaction. After sensitized by Eosin Y, the Rh2O3 transferred into metal Rh to construct a strong interaction interface between Rh NPs and RGO. The fabricated Rh/RGO catalyst exhibited high performance for photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation. About 98.1 mmol·g–1·h–1 H2 evolution rate was achieved with a maximum apparent quantum efficiency of 79.3% at 520 nm, which was superior to that of Rh (13.9 mmol·g–1·h–1) and Rh mixed with RGO (32.7 mmol·g–1·h–1) catalysts. The enhanced H2 evolution performance was attributed to the excellent electron conduction ability of RGO and the strong interaction between Rh NPs and RGO, which could accelerate the electron transfer and prolong the charge lifetime. In addition, the strong interaction could ensure the strong anchoring to maintain the excellent stability of the Rh/RGO catalyst. Our work will provide an avenue to design high-performance catalysts by fabricating a strong interfacial interaction strategy for photocatalytic H2 evolution.