MOF-Derived Non-Noble Metal CoP Nanoparticle Modified TiO₂ for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Photocatalytic decomposition of water to hydrogen is an attractive way to simultaneously handle the energy crisis and environmental pollution issues. Herein, non-noble CoP is prepared facilely by phosphating an MOF precursor and used as a cocatalyst in photocatalytic hydrogen production. It significantly improved the photocatalytic activity through the accelerated separation of photoinduced charge carriers and the introduction of hydrogen formation sites. The optimal hydrogen production rate of CoP/TiO2 composites is achieved at 1701.1 μmol·g–1·h–1, which is 72 times that of the pure TiO2. Importantly, MOF derivatives have specific surface area, high crystallinity, etc., manifesting the unique potential for constructing versatile and effective cocatalysts. This work has a certain reference significance for developing efficient catalysts toward better photocatalysis.

Preparation of TiO2/Ni‐NG Mesoporous Microspheres and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Properties

“…[7,8] Another key issue affecting the performance of photocatalysts is the regulation of their structures and surface active sites. [9,10] Therefore, the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 may be further improved by developing new TiO 2 modified materials with improved specific surface area and pore structure. [11,12] Presently, mesoporous TiO 2 , due to high specific surface area, narrow pore size distribution and good permeability finds wide range of applications in catalyst, gas separation, sensor and energy storage conversion.…”

“…Several methods have been reported to improve the efficiency of photocatalysis of TiO 2 whichinclude doping with non‐precious metals, generating defect structures to induce space charge separation, and modifying TiO 2 with metals or other semiconductors [7,8] . Another key issue affecting the performance of photocatalysts is the regulation of their structures and surface active sites [9,10] . Therefore, the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 may be further improved by developing new TiO 2 modified materials with improved specific surface area and pore structure [11,12] …”