Aurivillius compound Bi5Ti3CrO15 as a visible-light-active photocatalyst for hydrogen production from water

Layered Aurivillius compound Bi5Ti3CrO15 has been synthesized by a hydrothermal method for the application as a photocatalyst to liberate hydrogen from water. Bi5Ti3CrO15 owns a narrow band gap (E-g similar to 2.46 eV) and shows stable photocatalytic activity under both full range (lambda >= 250 nm) and visible light illumination (lambda >= 420 nm). A short hydrothermal reaction time is critical to achieve high photocatalytic activity as defects such as Cr6+ and Bi5+ can be avoided. An AQE as high as 3.66% at 420 nm +/- 20 nm has been recorded, warranting promising application in the field of solar energy conversions. DFT calculation reveals the important role of Cr(3+)cations for visible light sensitivity of Bi5Ti3CrO15. (C) 2021 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. and Science Press. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The layered Aurivillius compound Bi5Ti3CrO15 has been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method and shows stable photocatalytic activity with a narrow band gap. Short hydrothermal reaction time is crucial for achieving high photocatalytic activity by avoiding defects, and the compound exhibits promising application potential in the field of solar energy conversions. DFT calculations highlight the significant role of Cr(3+) cations in the visible light sensitivity of Bi5Ti3CrO15.