We report the design and fabrication of a novel hydrogenated photoactive composite, H:(Au@Cu2O/TiO2). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed a well-defined core-shell architecture with a p-n heterojunction configuration. Optical and electronic band structures were systematically investigated. The localized surface plasmon resonance LSPR-induced inter-band electron transfer process from Au to Cu2O shell was elucidated from the transient absorption spectra (TAS) and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). A comprehensive charge-transfer mechanism was provided; the Z-scheme configuration facilitates charge transfer and separation for improved efficiency with Cu2O shell and TiO2 NPs to complete the redox cycle. The hydrogenated heterostructure exhibited an exceptional H2 evolution rate of 9.3 mmol g- 1 h- 1 under AM 1.5 illumination while maintaining excellent stability. This enhancement is mainly attributed to direct injection of Au LSPR, a 3.9 times improvement with respect to H:(Cu2O/TiO2) of 2.4 mmol g-1 h-1 which was not reported before. Apparent quantum yield (AQY) measurements reached 2.5% at 650 nm and 0.8% at 800 nm, effectively extending the photocatalytic activity into the near-infrared region. These results highlight the robust H:(Au@Cu2O/TiO2) photocatalyst as a highly promising platform for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with methanol as an efficient hole scavenger and broader photoconversion applications.
Wang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.