Synergy of Bulk Defects and Surface Defects on TiO2 for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Production of H2O2

Artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 by TiO2-based semiconductors is a promising approachfor H2O2 production. However, the efficiencyof pristine TiO2 is still limited by rapid charge separationand low O-2 adsorption capacity. Here, we found that thesynergy betweenbulk and surface defects on TiO2 could overcome this demandingbottleneck. The introduced bulk defects act as hole acceptors to inducedirectional hole transfer, efficiently boosting electron-holeseparation. Furthermore, the adsorption of O-2 is strengthenedby the introduced surface defects. Consequently, this synergy of bulkand surface defects on TiO2 significantly improves thephotocatalytic performance, with a H2O2 productionrate of 4560 & mu;mol h(-1) g(-1), outperforming most reported TiO2-based photocatalysts.This work not only provides a new insight into the mechanism of surface/bulkdefects in photocatalysis but also highlights that surface/bulk regulationholds great promise for achiveing efficient photocatalytic conversion.

Automated summary

Artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 by TiO2-based semiconductors is a promising approach for H2O2 production. The synergy between bulk and surface defects on TiO2 can overcome limitations in efficiency due to rapid charge separation and low O-2 adsorption capacity. This work provides new insights into the mechanism of surface/bulk defects in photocatalysis and highlights the potential of surface/bulk regulation for achieving efficient photocatalytic conversion.