Heterojunction Synergies in Titania-Supported Gold Photocatalysts: Implications for Solar Hydrogen Production

The mixed-phase nature of P25 TiO2 (85% anatase/15% rutile) plays a key role in the high H-2 production rates shown by Au/P25 TiO2 photocatalysts in alcohol/water systems. However, a full understanding of the synergistic charge transfer mechanisms between the TiO2 polymorphs that drive the high rates is yet to be realised. Here, we deconstruct P25 TiO2 into its component phases, functionalise the phases with Au nanoparticles and explore charge transfer in Au/TiO2 systems using EPR spectroscopy. EPR spectroscopy and photocatalytic data provide direct evidence that electrons excited across the rutile band gap move to anatase lattice traps through interfacial surface sites, which decreases electron-hole pair recombination and increases charge carrier availability for photoreactions. In particular, three-phase interfacial sites between Au, anatase and rutile appear to be H-2 evolution hot spots. The results isolate the origin of high photocatalytic H-2 production rates seen in Au/P25 TiO2 systems.