Understanding the relative efficacies and versatile roles of 2D conductive nanosheets in hybrid-type photocatalyst

Synergetic Hybridization Effect of Homogeneously Mixed Inorganic and Graphene Nanosheets on the Photocatalytic Activity of Semiconductor

“…Both the layered RuO 2 and rGO NSs with negative surface charge are prepared by the exfoliation process of layered H 0.2 RuO 2 and the reduction of exfoliated graphene oxide NSs, respectively. [ 8,26 ] The formation of ultrathin exfoliated RuO 2 and rGO NSs is further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images in Figure S1, Supporting Information. The cationic CdS QDs are obtained by the reaction between cadmium acetate and thioacetamide, as reported previously.…”

“…[ 4–7 ] For the exploration of high‐performance photocatalyst materials, it is demanded to optimize several factors such as light absorption region, lifetimes of photoexcited electron and hole, charge transport property, and photocatalysis kinetics. [ 4,8 ] As one of the most effective ways to improve these factors, the hybridization with conductive substrates can provide an efficient methodology to enhance the photocatalytic activity of semiconductor. [ 9–13 ] Of prime importance is that highly conductive 2D nanosheet (NS) can be used as an efficient hybridization matrix for photocatalysts because of its unique characteristics such as 2D wide surface area, well‐defined surface structure, and distinct surface charge.…”

“…[ 18–21 ] In one instance, the versatile roles of graphene NS as electron acceptor, charge transport path, and cocatalyst render this 2D material a widely used substrate for synthetizing hybrid photocatalysts. [ 8 ] Although graphene possesses many merits as a hybridization matrix, strong π − π interaction between graphene NSs prevents from homogenous nanoscale mixing with photocatalyst crystals due to their severe self‐stacking. [ 22 ] Furthermore, the hydrophobic surface of graphene offers a serious obstacle for achieving a strong chemical interaction with hydrophilic semiconductor compounds.…”

“…[ 23,24 ] The hybridization with RuO 2 NS is more effective in improving the photocatalyst functionality of semiconductor like CdS and Ag 3 PO 4 than that with graphene. [ 8,24 ] Despite many advantages of RuO 2 NS as hybridization matrix, the poorer flexibility and smaller lateral dimension of RuO 2 NS than graphene NS are disadvantageous for acquiring an intimate physical contact with hybridized semiconductor nanocrystal. [ 8 ] The high price and poor abundance of ruthenium element also limit the use of RuO 2 NS as a hybridization matrix.…”

“…[ 8,24 ] Despite many advantages of RuO 2 NS as hybridization matrix, the poorer flexibility and smaller lateral dimension of RuO 2 NS than graphene NS are disadvantageous for acquiring an intimate physical contact with hybridized semiconductor nanocrystal. [ 8 ] The high price and poor abundance of ruthenium element also limit the use of RuO 2 NS as a hybridization matrix. Considering complementary advantages of exfoliated RuO 2 and graphene NSs, the partial replacement of expensive RuO 2 NS with cheap graphene NS can provide an economically feasible option for exploring high‐performance photocatalysts.…”