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Plasmonic Janus‐Composite Photocatalyst Comprising Au and C–TiO 2 for Enhanced Aerobic Oxidation over a Broad Visible‐Light Range
Author(s) -
Liu Lequan,
Dao Thang Duy,
Kodiyath Rajesh,
Kang Qing,
Abe Hideki,
Nagao Tadaaki,
Ye Jinhua
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201402088
Subject(s) - materials science , photocatalysis , surface plasmon resonance , janus , visible spectrum , plasmon , nanostructure , nanoparticle , photochemistry , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , optoelectronics , catalysis , chemistry , engineering , biochemistry
Asymmetric Janus nanostructures containing a gold nanocage (NC) and a carbon–titania hybrid nanocrystal (AuNC/(C–TiO 2 )) are prepared using a novel and facile microemulsion‐based approach that involves the assistance of ethanol. The localized surface plasmon resonance of the Au NC with a hollow interior and porous walls induce broadband visible‐light harvesting in the Janus AuNC/(C–TiO 2 ). An acetone evolution rate of 6.3 μmol h −1 g −1 is obtained when the Janus nanostructure is used for the photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of iso ‐propanol under visible light (λ = 480–910 nm); the rate is 3.2 times the value of that obtained with C–TiO 2 , and in photo‐electrochemical investigations an approximately fivefold enhancement is obtained. Moreover, when compared with the core–shell structure (AuNC@(C–TiO 2 ) and a gold–carbon–titania system where Au sphere nanoparticles act as light‐harvesting antenna, Janus AuNC/(C–TiO 2 ) exhibit superior plasmonic enhancement. Electromagnetic field simulation and electron paramagnetic resonance results suggest that the plasmon–photon coupling effect is dramatically amplified at the interface between the Au NC and C–TiO 2 , leading to enhanced generation of energetic hot electrons for photocatalysis.