Issue 10, 2014

Carbon quantum dots/TiO2 composites for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Carbon quantum dots modified P25 TiO2 composites (CQDs/P25) with a “dyade”-like structure were prepared via a facile one-step hydrothermal reaction. CQDs/P25 exhibited improved photocatalytic H2 evolution under UV-Vis and visible light (λ > 450 nm) irradiation without loading any noble metal cocatalyst, compared to pure P25. A possible mechanism of the photocatalytic H2 production activity over CQDs/P25 was proposed based on detailed measurements of the transient photocurrent response, surface photovoltage and hydroxyl radicals. CQDs play dual roles on the improved photocatalytic activity of CQDs/P25. Under UV-Vis light irradiation CQDs act as an electron reservoir to improve the efficient separation of the photoinduced electron–hole pairs of P25. However, under visible light irradiation CQDs act as a photosensitizer to sensitize P25 into a visible light response “dyade” structure for H2 evolution.

Graphical abstract: Carbon quantum dots/TiO2 composites for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
12 Dit 2013
Accepted
11 Kax 2013
First published
12 Kax 2013

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014,2, 3344-3351

Carbon quantum dots/TiO2 composites for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

H. Yu, Y. Zhao, C. Zhou, L. Shang, Y. Peng, Y. Cao, L. Wu, C. Tung and T. Zhang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2, 3344 DOI: 10.1039/C3TA14108J

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