Abstract
This paper describes a nonaqueous sol–gel preparation of p–n diode-type CoOx/TiO2 nanocomposites for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Characterization results suggested that the nanocomposites consisted of highly crystalline anatase nanoparticles and Co3O4-like species. They showed composition-dependent activity for hydrogen production under ultraviolet light irradiation with methanol as a sacrificial agent. The nanocomposite with the optimum composition exhibited superior photocatalytic activity and a hydrogen evolution rate of 2.17mmolg−1h−1. In comparison, the hydrogen evolution rates for the reference photocatalysts Degussa P25 and sodium tantalite measured under the same conditions were 20μmolg−1 and 410μmolg−1, respectively. The stability and the concentration-dependent hydrogen production with methanol or ethanol as sacrificial agent were also studied. In addition, the nanocomposite was capable of producing hydrogen, albeit in small amount, in the sacrificial agent-free conditions in the phosphate-buffered solutions. The results show not only the uniqueness of the nonaqueous synthesis for highly active CoOx/TiO2 heterojunction photocatalysts, but also the possibility to further improve the photocatalytic activity of CoOx/TiO2 through surface engineering.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
