Core-shell morphology of Au-TiO2@graphene oxide nanocomposite exhibiting enhanced hydrogen production from water

The core-shell morphology of graphene oxide (GO) coated Au-TiO2 (Au-TiO2@GO) nanocatalysts has displayed enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from water. The structural morphology of Au-TiO2@GO revealed a thin layer (similar to 2.5 nm) of GO shell over Au-TiO2 core, possessing higher specific surface area (similar to 100 m(2) g(-1)). Raman spectroscopy revealed bands at 1593 cm(-1) and 1317 cm(-1) corresponding to G and D lines. GO facilitates decreases in the rate of e(-)/h(+) recombination due to its reduction potential and Au loading increase sensitization of TiO2 in the visible light resulting in the increased activity for H-2 production (similar to 114 mu mol) from the water. (C) 2016 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.