Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution in the Presence of Plasmonic Au-Photo-Sensitized g-C3N4 with an Extended Absorption Spectrum from 460 to 640 nm.

ABSTRACT: Extensively spectral-responsive photocatalytic hydrogen production was achieved over g-C3N4 photo-sensitized by Au nanoparticles. The photo-sensitization, which was achieved by a facile photo-assisted reduction route, resulted in an extended spectral range of absorption from 460 to 640 nm. The photo-sensitized g-C3N4 (Au/g-C3N4) photocatalysts exhibit significantly enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with a TOF value of 223 μmol g-1 h-1, which is a 130-fold improvement over g-C3N4. The hydrogen production result confirms that Au nanoparticles are effective photo-sensitizers for the visible light-responsive substrate g-C3N4. UV-vis diffuse reflection spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL), electron spin resonance (ESR), and electrochemical measurements were used to investigate

SUBMITTER: Xie L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5004922 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature