A new strategy to enhance quantum efficiency of photo-mediated hydrogen evolution

Here we reported a novel method for manipulating the surface charge of Au/TiO2 (Gold/Titanium Dioxide) photocatalysts within chemical reaction timescales by using our home-modified LED light source. We further demonstrate that the alternation of negative charge and neutral charge on Au surface would affect the photocatalytic performance, in which the suitable timescale of switching surface charge on Au benefits for the enhanced quantum efficiency in the photo-mediated hydrogen evolution. We believe that our results will help a deeper understanding of the kinetics process in the photocatalytic reaction and pave the way for achieving highly efficient photocatalytic systems.