Intense research efforts have been directed towards hydrogen production from the photocatalytic splitting of water. Among the various semiconductor photocatalysts examined, titanium dioxide (titania) has been studied the most because of its excellent photostability and ease of preparation. A main drawback of titania is that it can only absorb UV light, thus limiting its potential to harness the visible portion of the solar spectrum. Several approaches have been used to extend the visible light response of titania. These include sensitization by dyes, doping by ions (transition metal ions and non-metal anions), and coupling low bandgap semiconductors.  Another drawback of titania is that its activity is limited because of electron-hole recombination. Our approach to improve the photocatalytic efficiencies and extend the visible light response of titania is by developing graphite like carbon�titania composite photocatalysts.

Graphite-like carbon-titania composite photocatalysts for solar hydrogen production

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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