Gold nanorods coated by oxygen-deficient TiO2 as an advanced photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Gold nanorods coated by oxygen-deficient TiO₂ are synthesized by slow hydrolysis followed with high-temperature annealing in a reducing atmosphere. This does not alter the morphology of the nanorods, but produces Ti³⁺ species and oxygen vacancies in the shell. These nanorods show superior photocatalytic ability in hydrogen generation. The enhanced performance may be attributed to the synergistic effect of Ti³⁺ species, oxygen vacancies and Au, which effectively enhance light absorption, reduce charge recombination and increase charge-transfer across the interface between the electrolyte and electrode.