Graphite Oxide as a Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Production from Water

A graphite oxide (GO) semiconductor photocatalyst with an apparent bandgap of 2.4-4.3 eV is synthesized by a modified Hummers' procedure. The as-synthesized GO photocatalyst has an interlayer spacing of 0.42 nm because of its moderate oxidation level. Under irradiation with UV or visible light, this GO photocatalyst steadily catalyzes H-2 generation from a 20 vol % aqueous methanol solution and pure water. As the GO sheets extensively disperse in water, a cocatalyst is not required for H-2 generation over the GO photocatalyst. During photocatalytic reaction, the GO loses some oxygen functional groups, leading to bandgap reduction and increased conductivity. This structural variation does not affect the stable H-2 generation over the GO. The encouraging results presented in this study demonstrate the potential of graphitic materials as a medium for water splitting under solar illumination.