Immobilization of RuS2Nanoparticles Prepared in Reverse Micellar System onto Thiol-Modified Polystyrene Particles and their Photocatalytic Properties

Abstract

RuS2 nanoparticles, smaller than 3 nm in diameter, were prepared by H2S gas injection into the AOT/isooctane reverse micellar solution containing RuCl3 aqueous solution. The nanoparticle size was found to be independent of the Wo (water content) value of the reverse micellar system, as shown by TEM observation. The recovery and immobilization of the RuS2 nanoparticles from reverse micelles onto thiol-modified polystyrene particles (PSt-SH) were successfully carried out, by the addition of PSt-SH into the reverse micellar solution under conditions of mild stirring. The resulting composites, PSt-RuS2, showed photocatalytic activity for H2 generation form aqueous solution containing 2-propanol and Na2SO3 as sacrificial electron donors.