Oxygen Vacancy Formation at Metal‒TiO₂ Interface Yielding Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation.

ABSTRACT: Strong Metal-Support Interaction (SMSI) is a key concept in heterogeneous catalysis, but it remains underexplored in the context of photon-to-hydrogen conversion, as coupling of metallic nanoparticles with photocatalysts is overlooked and only discussed in terms of Schottky barrier formation. In this study, we provide deep insights into the effect of Au encapsulation with TiO₂ overlayer on enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Our findings reveal that the construction of a SMSI-like nanostructure induces the formation of oxygen vacancies at the Au‒TiO₂ interface which actively facilitate charge carrier separation through interfacial band reconstruction. The presence of defects is evidenced by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

SUBMITTER: Quach VD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12407321 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature