Cu nanoclusters incorporated mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles: An efficient and stable noble metal-free photocatalyst for light driven H2 generation

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2021-02, Vol.46 (9), p.6461-6473
• Main Authors: Hao, Weiming, Zhao, Liang, Li, Xiangqing, Qin, Lixia, Han, Sheng, Kang, Shi-Zhao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hydrogen; Photocatalysis; TiO2 nanoparticle
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.11.146

It has been regarded as a promising strategy utilizing Cu co-catalyst to prepare efficient TiO2-based photocatalysts. Traditionally, Cu co-catalyst is directly loaded on the surface of TiO2. Herein, we designed and prepared an innovative photocatalytic system, Cu nanoclusters incorporated mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles which possess plum pudding-like structure, to enhance the interaction between Cu co-catalyst and TiO2, and the stability of Cu co-catalyst. The results indicate that the as-prepared nanoparticles are an efficient noble metal-free photocatalyst for H2 production. The highest H2 evolution rate is up to 5.9 mmol g−1 h−1. Here, the Cu nanoclusters play three roles as follows: traps of the photogenerated electrons, active sites, and harvesters of visible light. Moreover, the stability of Cu co-catalyst can be obviously enhanced via embedding Cu co-catalyst into TiO2 matrix. This work provides a new route to an efficient and stable photocatalytic system containing TiO2 and Cu for photocatalytic H2 production. [Display omitted] •Preparation of mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles incorporated with Cu nanoclusters.•Efficient photocatalyst made up of TiO2 and Cu for photocatalytic H2 production.•Combination of calcination and microwave treatment to enhance H2 production.