Au-NPs embedded Z–scheme WO3/TiO2 nanocomposite for plasmon-assisted photocatalytic glycerol-water reforming towards enhanced H2 evolution

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 503; p. 144344
• Main Authors: Tahir, Muhammad, Siraj, Mohammad, Tahir, Beenish, Umer, Muhammad, Alias, Hajar, Othman, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.02.2020
• Subjects: Au surface plasmon resonance; Glycerol reforming; Photocatalytic H2 evolution; Z-scheme heterojunction, WO3/TiO2 composite; Z-scheme heterojunction, WO3/TiO2 composite; Glycerol reforming; Photocatalytic H2 evolution; Au surface plasmon resonance
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.144344

[Display omitted] •Z-scheme Au-NPs-WO3/TiO2 composite synthesized for H2 production under visible light.•Synergistic effect of Au/WO3 greatly enhanced H2 evolution via Z-scheme and SPR effect.•H2 yield 17,200 ppm h−1gcat−1 achieved over composite, a 5.89 folds higher than pure TiO2.•Photocatalytic water splitting and phenol reforming yielded highest H2 under visible light.•Highest photostability prevailed for continuous CO2 and H2 production over Au-WO3/TiO2. Au-NPs-embedded Z-scheme WO3/TiO2 hetero-junction for boosting photocatalytic H2 evolution from glycerol-water mixture under visible light has been investigated. The composite samples, synthesized by a sol-gel assisted photo-deposition method, gave higher visible light absorption through Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), larger BET surface area and hindered recombination of charge carrier. Highest H2 evolution rate of 17200 ppm h−1 gcat−1 was obtained over 0.5%Au-loaded WO3/TiO2 which was 4.46 and 5.89 folds higher than WO3/TiO2 and TiO2, respectively. This divulges that constructing WO3/TiO2 Z-scheme hetero-junction adjusted redox potential, while decorating plasmonic Au-NPs enables faster charges separation with higher visible-light absorption through SPR, resulting in superior H2 production. In addition, both water splitting and photocatalytic glycerol reforming contributed towards excellent H2 formation. The apparent quantum yield of 28.3% (λ ~ 420 nm) was attained and catalyst prevailed photo-stability for H2 evolution in cyclic runs. This study provides new insight about constructing plasmonic assisted Z-scheme assembly for solar fuels production.