Novel TiO2-Supported Gold Nanoflowers for Efficient Photocatalytic NOx Abatement

In this study, we pioneered the synthesis of nanoflower-shaped TiO2-supported Au photocatalysts and investigated their properties. Au nanoflowers (Au NFs) were prepared by a Na-citrate and hydroquinone-based preparation method, followed by wet impregnation of the derived Au NFs on the surface of TiO...

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Published inMolecules (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 29; no. 14; p. 3333
Main Authors Slapničar, Špela, Žerjav, Gregor, Zavašnik, Janez, Roškarič, Matevž, Finšgar, Matjaž, Pintar, Albin
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 16.07.2024
Subjects
Emissions
Environmental impact
Gold
gold nanoflowers
heterogeneous photocatalysis
Light
localized surface plasmon resonance effect
Morphology
Nanoparticles
Outdoor air quality
Oxidation
Photocatalysis
Seeds
titanate nanorods
Toxicity
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds
wet impregnation
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Summary:In this study, we pioneered the synthesis of nanoflower-shaped TiO2-supported Au photocatalysts and investigated their properties. Au nanoflowers (Au NFs) were prepared by a Na-citrate and hydroquinone-based preparation method, followed by wet impregnation of the derived Au NFs on the surface of TiO2 nanorods (TNR). A uniform and homogeneous distribution of Au NFs was observed in the TNR + NF(0.7) sample (lower Na-citrate concentration), while their distribution was heterogeneous in the TNR + NF(1.4) sample (higher Na-citrate concentration). The UV-Vis DR spectra revealed the size- and shape-dependent optical properties of the Au NFs, with the LSPR effect observed in the visible region. The solid-state EPR spectra showed the presence of Ti3+, oxygen vacancies and electron interactions with organic compounds on the catalyst surface. In the case of the TNR + NF(0.7) sample, high photocatalytic activity was observed in the H2-assisted reduction of NO2 to N2 at room temperature under visible-light illumination. In contrast, the TNR + NF(1.4) catalyst as well as the heat-treated samples showed no ability to reduce NO2 under visible light, indicating the presence of deformed Au NFs limiting the LSPR effect. These results emphasized the importance of the choice of synthesis method, as this could strongly influence the photocatalytic activity of the Au NFs.
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ISSN:1420-3049
1420-3049
DOI:10.3390/molecules29143333