The hybridization of wide bandgap semiconductor with narrow bandgap semiconductor has been intensively investigated as an efficient way to explore high performance visible light active photocatalysts.1-3 In the resulting nanohybrid, an electronic coupling between the component semiconductors is of prime importance in optimizing the photocatalytic activity of hybrid materials.4,5 Since the electronic coupling between the hybridized species occurs on their interface, the control of their crystal morphologies and surface structures is very crucial in designing strongly correlated hybrid system. Recently we have synthesized highly efficient visible light active photocatalysts through the self-assembly between exfoliated titanate 2D nanosheet and narrow bandgap semiconducting species.1-3 The subnanometer-level thickness of the exfoliated titanate nanosheet makes possible unusually strong electronic coupling with hybridized nanostructured species, leading to the significant modification of electronic structure and the remarkable enhancement of photocatalytic activity upon the hybridization. In this talk, we will present a series of nanohybrid photocatalysts composed of exfoliated inorganic nanosheets and narrow bandgap semiconductor nanostructured species including self-assembled CdS-Ti(5.2-x)/6Rhx/2O2 nanohybrids. Evolutions of crystal structure, porous structure, and electronic structure upon hybridization and substitution are systematically investigated. The obtained nanohybrids are applied as photocatalysts for visible light-induced H2 and O2 generation.

2D nanosheet-based photocatalysts efficient for visible light-induced H2 and O2 production

251st National Meeting (2016)

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