TiN/TiO2 embedded in ReS2 nanoflowers with wide light absorption and multi-interfacial charge transfer for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Abstract

The design of functional materials with efficient light absorption and charge separation is crucial for photocatalytic energy conversion. Herein, a plasmonic TiN/TiO2/ReS2 ternary hybrid is prepared, which exhibits exceptional photocatalytic activity caused by the plasmon-mediated light absorption and multi-interfacial charge separation. The ternary hybrids were synthesized by heating TiN, Re, and S sources at high pressure and temperature. The TiN was partially oxidized to form TiN/TiO2 hybrids, which were then embedded in ReS2 nanoflowers through Ti-S bonds, creating a 3D flower-like structure with multiple interfaces. The plasmon resonance of TiN and the bandgap excitations of ReS2 and TiO2 endow the hybrids with efficient light absorption in UV–VIS-NIR region. Additionally, the novel embedded structure and the multiple interfaces between TiN, TiO2, and ReS2 facilitate the formation of built-in electric fields and multi-channel charge transfer, which efficiently quicken photoinduced carriers’ migration and hot electron injection. Consequently, the TiN/TiO2/ReS2 hybrids demonstrate a high-efficiency photocatalytic hydrogen generation rate, which is 12.1 times that of commercial P25. Notably, the hybrids also exhibit high photocatalytic activity under near-infrared light irradiation. This study offers innovative insights into the design of photocatalysts and suggests that the prepared materials could be utilized in solar-driven energy conversion applications.