RuO2/TiSi2/graphene composite for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation

Abstract

A novel composite composed of TiSi₂, graphene and RuO₂ nanoparticles was fabricated by a one-pot deposition method using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as a supporting matrix and RuCl₃ as the RuO₂ precursor. The resulting RuO₂/TiSi₂/RGO composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, photoelectrical response and electrochemical impedance spectra. The results indicated that the three components in the composite were effectively contacted, thus facilitating the photogenerated charges transfer and separation through multiple routes. By using the composite as a photocatalyst for visible-light water splitting the average hydrogen production rate could reach 97.5 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹, which is higher than that from RuO₂/TiSi₂ and pure TiSi₂ systems under the same conditions.