The promotion of both regular and photo-induced catalytic reactions with Au-TiO2 catalysts has been studied in order to identify mechanistic details and active sites. Our study of the photocatalytic splitting of water led to the suggestion that the role of the metal may not be to scavenge the excited electrons produced in the semiconductor upon absorption of light, as commonly believed, but rather to promote the recombination of the adsorbed atomic hydrogen initially produced by reduction of H+ on the surface of that semiconductor. In terms of the promotion of CO oxidation at cryogenic temperatures, a combination of spectroscopic (IR) probing and studies controlling the geometrical parameters of Au@void@TiO2 catalysts was used to develop a reaction mechanism for this unique process. Two key requirements were identified, namely, for the titania support to be in an amorphous form, and for the presence of new sites produced via NaOH treatment, presumably titanate-like local structures.

Au-TiO2 interfaces in the photocatalytic production of H2 from water and in the oxidation of CO at cryogenic temperatures

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.