Solar Energy, Vol.134, 52-63, 2016
Enhanced optical and electronic properties of a solar light-responsive photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution by SrTiO3/TiO2 nanotube combination
Strontium titanate/titanium dioxide nanotube composite (SrTiO3/TiO2 nanotube) exhibiting electronic delivery and visible light response was prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. Versatile multi-junction photocatalysts composed of SrTiO3/TiO2 nanotube, N-doped TiO2, and platinum (Pt) as the internal, middle, and outer layer materials, respectively, were successfully developed in this study. The excellent electronic delivery of TiO2 nanotube and redox potential differences among N-doped TiO2, SrTiO3, and TiO2 nanotube facilitated the migration of photogenerated electrons from the bulk to the surface of the multi-junction photocatalysts, resulting in retarded charge recombination rates and increased H-2 evolution rates. Moreover, because of their redox potential difference, the TiO2 nanotube and N-doped TiO2 could also provide their conduction band to accept excited electrons from the valence band of SrTiO3, leading to better visible light response. The optimal H-2 evolution rate (3513 mu mol/h/g) was achieved under simulated sunlight irradiation when the SrTiO3/TiO2 nanotube weight ratio and the Pt coating amount of the multi-junction photocatalyst were controlled to 5 wt. % and 0.2 wt.%, respectively. (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords:SrTiO3/TiO2 nanotube composite;Solar light responsive multi-junction photocatalyst;Electronic delivery;Hydrogen evolution