Accelerated Electron Mobility in Layered KCa₂Nb₃O₁₀ via Adsorption-Photodeposition Ag Nanoparticles at the Layer Side

Abstract

The loading position of cocatalysts in photocatalytic water splitting significantly influences their efficiency. In this study, it is demonstrating that the placement of Ag nanoparticles at the layer side of layered KCa 2 Nb 3 O 10 , through preadsorption and subsequent photoreduction. DFT reveals a preferential adsorption of Ag ions within the interlayer region, which are effectively reduced to Ag nanoparticles under UV irradiation. Microscopic analyses confirm the nucleation and growth of Ag nanoparticles primarily at the layer side, rather than on the front side. TRFL show an appreciable increase in the lifetime of photogenerated carriers compared to those with Ag nanoparticles loaded on the front side. Consequently, it is a nearly 20-fold increase in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. This marked enhancement is due to a more efficient electron transfer pathway, wherein carriers travel laterally within the layer to reach the layer side, bypassing the need to traverse through the interlayers to the front side.