PNNL

Abstract

Water reduction under two visible light ranges (? > 400 and ? > 435 nm) was investigated using gold-loaded titanium dioxide (Au-TiO2) with different sizes of Au nanoparticles (NPs). Two different mechanisms have been determined to clarify the specific role of Au NPs in visible light-induced photocatalytic reactions. Our study provides solid evidences showing that Au NPs sizes are essential for the surface plasmon-driven water reduction under ? > 435 nm. More specifically, we have demonstrated that the Au NPs sizes are vital for the SPR mediated electron transfer efficiency and play a critical role in determining the reduction potential of the transferred electrons in the TiO2 conduction band (CB) and their following activities. Our discovery provides a facile way to manipulate the reduction potential of transferred electrons by simply varying the Au NPs sizes, which will greatly facilitate the design of suitable plasmonic photocatalysts for water reduction and other valuable solar-to-fuel reactions.