Synthesis of a powerful single copper/tungsten atom oxide photocatalyst dispersed on the surface of a reduced graphene oxide-titanium composite for H2 production and pollutant degradation

Abstract

The specific activity and selectivity of many catalytic processes have been frequently enhanced, making single-atom catalysis a new frontline in the area of catalysis. In this study, a powerful photocatalyst was synthesized for H2 production and ofloxacin (OFL) degradation, utilizing a catalytically active TiO2-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) support material. A Cu mono-substituted heteropoly acid(HPA) was used to generate surface-dispersed single copper/tungsten atom oxide (SCu/WAO) sites as co-catalysts. Many single atoms were homogeneously deposited on the TiO2-rGO catalyst. A TiO2-SCu/WAO-rGO catalyst was successfully prepared, and the presence of the SCu/WAO species was confirmed using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analyses. The prepared photocatalyst was found to facilitate high rates of H2 production (14.32 mmol/g/h) and a high maximum OFL degradation (98.4%). Additionally, it could effectively substitute current noble metal catalysts as an extremely effective and long-lasting solar radiation-based photocatalyst for renewable H2production and OFL degradation.