Vertically-heterostructured TiO2-Ag-rGO ternary nanocomposite constructed with {001} facetted TiO2 nanosheets for enhanced Pt-free hydrogen production

Abstract

TiO2 nanosheets with high ratio of {001} facets were coupled with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets through the link of silver (Ag) nanoparticles, forming a novel ternary nanocomposite photocatalyst with a vertical heterostructure, TiO2-Ag-rGO. The vertical anchoring of TiO2-Ag nanosheets between rGO sheets was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Due to excellent separation of electron-hole pairs in the TiO2 nanosheets, enhanced electron transfer to rGO via Ag nanoparticles, the TiO2-Ag-rGO nanocomposite exhibited an outstanding performance in photocatalytic hydrogen production, with a hydrogen production rate of 593.56 μmol g−1 h−1. This study provides new insights to the development of Pt-free photocatalysts for hydrogen production.