Bimetal-organic framework derived multi-heterostructured TiO2/CuxO/C nanocomposites with superior photocatalytic H2 generation performance

In situ formation of p-n heterojunctions between TiO2 and CuxO in heteroatom-doped carbon nanocomposites and their applications in photocatalytic H-2 evolution were demonstrated. One-step pyrolysis of bimetal-organic-frameworks NH2-MIL-125(Ti/Cu) in steam at 700 degrees C forms a p-n heterojunction between TiO2 and CuxO nanoparticles. Concurrently, a phasejunction between nitrogen/carbon co-doped anatase and rutile TiO2 is formed, accompanied by the formation of CuxO heterostructures. These multi-heterostructures are embedded in N-containing and hydrophilic carboxyl functionalized carbon matrix. The optimized TiO2/CuxO/C composite multi-heterostructures offer multiple pathways for photoinduced electrons and holes migration, absorb more visible light, and provide an increased number of active sites for photocatalytic reactions. Without loading expensive noble metals, the TiO2/CuxO/C nanocomposite derived at 700 degrees C in steam exhibited a superior photocatalytic H-2 generation activity of 3298 mu mol g(cat)(-1) h(-1) under UV-Visible light, 40 times higher than that of commercial TiO2. This work offers a simple approach to fabricate novel photocatalytic nanocomposites for efficient H-2 generation.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates the in situ formation of p-n heterojunctions between TiO2 and CuxO in heteroatom-doped carbon nanocomposites for efficient photocatalytic H-2 generation. The optimized TiO2/CuxO/C composite multi-heterostructures offer increased number of active sites for photocatalytic reactions and significantly enhanced H-2 generation activity without the need for expensive noble metals.