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Ultrasonic-Induced Surface Disordering Promotes Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution of TiO2
Chunyao Liu1, Changhua Wang1, Rui Wang1
1Key Laboratory of UV-Emitting Materials and Technology of Chinese Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 27, 2024
Summary
Ultrasonic processing induces surface disordering in titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts. This simple method significantly enhances photocatalytic hydrogen production by reducing electron traps and improving charge separation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photocatalysis
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Surface disordering is key for optimizing semiconductor photocatalyst performance.
- A simple method for inducing surface disorder is needed for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ultrasonic processing as a method for inducing surface disorder in TiO2.
- To evaluate the impact of ultrasonic-induced disorder on photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasonic treatment of TiO2 (Degussa P25) for 40 minutes.
- Comprehensive structural, spectral, and electrochemical analyses.
- Measurement of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rates.
Main Results:
- Ultrasonic treatment enhanced hydrogen production by 42.7 times (1425.4 μmol g-1 h-1) without cocatalysts.
- Surface disordering reduced deep electron traps and improved charge separation.
- Anatase TiO2 showed greater disordering and enhanced photocatalysis compared to rutile.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonic-induced surface disordering is an effective strategy for activating TiO2 photocatalysts.
- This method significantly boosts photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency.
- Potential applications include hydrogen production, small molecule activation, and biomass conversion.
