Design and synthesis of Ti-peroxo/phosphorus heterostructures for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

For the heterojunction composite photocatalyst, the contact interface is the key to charge carrier separation conditions. In order to present novel research through the interaction between these interfaces, the Ti based peroxo complex (TP)/red phosphorus (RP) composite system was introduced and designed to improve carrier separation and transport properties during photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. In this study, we have successfully synthesized TP/RP by facile solution process through stirring at room temperature and pressure. Regarding the specific surface area, which is one of the important factors in the photocatalytic activity, it was confirmed that the specific surface area of the TP (166.4 m2/g) and TP/RP (281.4 m2/g) samples was dramatically improved as the particle surface was oxidized based on TiH2 (0.613 m2/g), the precursor. And the photo-induced charge carrier life time of the TP/RP was extended by approximately 60% compared to the conventional TP. Finally, excellent research results were obtained in which the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency (17.05 μmol/h) under visible-light irradiation (200 W Xenon lamp) was improved by about 3 times than that of the conventional TP sample (5.26 μmol/h).