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Au@TiO 2 Core–Shell Composites for the Photocatalytic Reduction of CO 2
Author(s) -
Pougin Anna,
Dodekatos Georgios,
Dilla Martin,
Tüysüz Harun,
Strunk Jennifer
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.201801796
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , materials science , shell (structure) , catalysis , semiconductor , nanoparticle , carbon fibers , composite material , chemical engineering , core (optical fiber) , phase (matter) , nanotechnology , chemistry , composite number , biochemistry , optoelectronics , organic chemistry , engineering
Au/TiO 2 catalysts in different geometrical arrangements were designed to explore the role of morphology and structural properties for the photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 with H 2 O in the gas‐phase. The most active sample was a Au@TiO 2 core–shell catalyst with additional Au nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on the outer surface of the TiO 2 shell. CH 4 and CO are the primary carbon‐containing products. Large amounts of H 2 are additionally formed by photocatalytic H 2 O splitting. Shell thickness plays a critical role. The highest yields were observed with the thickest layer of TiO 2 , stressing the importance of the semiconductor for the reaction. Commercial TiO 2 with and without Au NPs was less active in the production of CH 4 and CO. The enhanced activation of CO 2 on the core–shell system is concluded to result from electronic interaction between the gold core, the titania shell, and the Au NPs on the outer surface. The improved exposure of Au−TiO 2 interface contributes to the beneficial effect.