Premium
Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of Anatase TiO 2 by Improving the Specific Facet‐Induced Spontaneous Separation of Photogenerated Electrons and Holes
Author(s) -
Liu Chang,
Han Xiguang,
Xie Shuifen,
Kuang Qin,
Wang Xue,
Jin Mingshang,
Xie Zhaoxiong,
Zheng Lansun
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
chemistry – an asian journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.18
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1861-471X
pISSN - 1861-4728
DOI - 10.1002/asia.201200886
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , anatase , materials science , redox , nanocrystal , semiconductor , electron , nanotechnology , facet (psychology) , photochemistry , charge carrier , chemical engineering , catalysis , optoelectronics , chemistry , physics , psychology , social psychology , personality , quantum mechanics , engineering , big five personality traits , biochemistry , metallurgy
Recently, it has been proven that directional flow of photogenerated charge carriers occurs on specific facets of TiO 2 nanocrystals. Herein, we demonstrate that the photocatalytic activity of anatase TiO 2 nanocrystals in both photoreduction and photooxidation processes can be enhanced by selectively depositing Pt nanoparticles on the {101} facets, which strengthens spontaneously surface‐induced separation between photogenerated electrons and holes in the photocatalysis process. An optimal ratio of the oxidative {001} facets to the reductive {101} facets exists with regard to the photocatalysis of the faceted TiO 2 nanocrystals, and this is crucial for balancing the recombination and redox reaction rates of photogenerated electrons and holes. The present work might help us gain deeper insight into the relation between the specific surface of semiconductor photocatalysts and their photocatalytic activities and provides us with a new route to design photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity.