Abstract
In this present study, we report the synthesis of Au nanodots on α-Fe2O3@reduced graphene oxide (RGO) based hetero-photocatalytic nanohybrids through a chlorophyll mediated photochemical synthesis. In this process, chlorophyll induces a rapid reduction (30 min) of Au3+ ions to Au° metallic nanodots on α-Fe2O3@RGO surface under sunlight irradiation. The nucleation growth process, photo-induced electron-transfer mechanism and physico-chemical properties of the Au@α-Fe2O3@RGO ternary nanocomposites were systematically studied with various analytical techniques. This novel photochemical synthesis process is a cost-effective, convenient, surfactant-less, and scalable method. Moreover, the prepared ternary nanocomposites enhanced catalytic activity as compared to pure α-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3@RGO. The advantages and synergistic effect of Au@α-Fe2O3@RGO exhibit, (i) a broader range of visible-light absorption due to visible light band gap of α-Fe2O3, (ii) lower recombination possibility of photo-generated electrons and holes due to effect of Au and (iii) faster electron transfer due to higher conductivity of RGO. Therefore, the prepared Au@α-Fe2O3@RGO hetero-photocatalytic nanohybrids exhibited a remarkable photocatalytic activity, thus enabling potential active hetero-photocatalyst for industrial and environmental applications.
Highlights
Nanohybrids hetero-nanostructures integrating two-dimensional (2D) graphene with metal oxides have received increased consideration in recent years[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
Most of the α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were encapsulated within the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets, which confirms the prevention of aggregation of individual nanoparticles and agglomeration of RGO sheets, maintaining a high specific surface area
This study demonstrates that the chlorophyll induces the rate of reduction reaction and prevents the aggregation of Au, resulting in Au nanoparticles formed on α-Fe2O3@RGO surface, with a rapid synthesis time of 30 min
Summary
Nanohybrids hetero-nanostructures integrating two-dimensional (2D) graphene with metal oxides have received increased consideration in recent years[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. A few metallic nanocomposites, such as, polymer protected Pt/Ru bimetallic clusters, Au/Pd core-shell nanoparticles, bimetallic Au/Pt systems, Au/ TiO2, have been investigated for photocatalytic H2 production through photo-induced water splitting[24,25] These results show that the hetero-catalysts deliver good performances in hydrogenation reactions as a result of longer electron mobility as well as surface ensemble effects. Credence in an improved green photochemical reduction process for rapid synthesis of size controlled Au nanodots on graphene/metal oxide ternary nanocomposites, especially towards enhancing photocatalytic performance. To this end, we have developed an innovative environmentally friendly photochemical route for synthesis of Au nanodots on α-Fe2O3/RGO ternary nanocomposites. We hope that this present investigation can provide as a basis for further design of Au@α-Fe2O3@ RGO nanocomposites catalyst for water purification and photochemical water splitting applications
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