Charge Separation between Pt Co-catalysts and Plasmonic Au in Pt-Au/C3N4 Photocatalysts

Chemical processes induced by surface plasmon resonance have received great attention due to the wide spectral absorption and tunable optical property. Co-catalysts have been introduced into plasmonic-metal/semiconductor photocatalysts to inhibit the recombination of plasmon-induced carriers. However, it is unclear how the locations of co-catalysts (on the surface of plasmonic metal or the semiconductor) affect the plasmonic photocatalystic reactions. Herein, we report that Pt co-catalysts can be selectively deposited on Au nanoparticles (NPs) of Au/C3N4 photocatalysts through an atomic layer deposition method. Compared with the Pt co-catalysts exclusively on C3N4, Pt solely on Au NPs has a 4.5-fold increase in activity for plasmonic hydrogen evolution. The reduced photoluminescence intensity and prolonged photoluminescence lifetime reveal that Pt solely on Au NPs provides higher charge separation efficiency. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of Pt co-catalysts solely on Au NPs is attributable to the more efficient and direct utilization of the plasmon resonance-induced electrons and separation of electrons and holes.

Automated summary

Chemical processes induced by surface plasmon resonance have attracted attention in the field of photocatalysis. This study reports the selective deposition of Pt co-catalysts on Au nanoparticles, resulting in improved activity of plasmonic photocatalysts. The results reveal that Pt solely on Au NPs provides higher photocatalytic activity due to enhanced charge separation efficiency.