Facet-Control versus Co-Catalyst-Control in Photocatalytic H2 Evolution from Anatase TiO2 Nanocrystals

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and, in particular, its anatase polymorph, is widely studied for photocatalytic H₂ production. In the present work, we examine the importance of reactive facets of anatase crystallites on the photocatalytic H₂ evolution from aqueous methanol solutions. For this, we synthesized anatase TiO₂ nanocrystals with a large amount of either {001} facets, that is, nanosheets, or {101} facets, that is, octahedral nanocubes, and examined their photocatalytic H₂ evolution and then repeated this procedure with samples where Pt co-catalyst is present on all facets. Octahedral nanocubes with abundant {101} facets produce >4 times more H₂ than nanosheets enriched in {001} facets if the reaction is carried out under co-catalyst-free conditions. For samples that carry Pt co-catalyst on both {001} and {101} facets, faceting loses entirely its significance. This demonstrates that the beneficial role of faceting, namely the introduction of {101} facets that act as electron transfer mediator is relevant only for co-catalyst-free TiO₂ surfaces.     

Synthesis of {100} Facet Dominant Anatase TiO2 Nanobelts and the Origin of Facet‐Dependent Photoreactivity

Sword‐like anatase TiO₂ nanobelts exposed with 78 % clean {100} facets were synthesized and the facet‐dependent photoreactivity of anatase TiO₂ was investigated. By quantitative comparison with the reference {001} facets, the {100} facets possessed about ten‐times higher active sites density than that on {001} facets, resulting in higher photoreaction efficiency. After the active sites density normalization, the {100} and {001} facets exhibited distinct wavelength‐dependent photocatalytic performance, attributed to the anisotropic electronic structures in TiO₂ crystals.     

Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of Anatase TiO2 by Improving the Specific Facet‐Induced Spontaneous Separation of Photogenerated Electrons and Holes

Recently, it has been proven that directional flow of photogenerated charge carriers occurs on specific facets of TiO₂ nanocrystals. Herein, we demonstrate that the photocatalytic activity of anatase TiO₂ nanocrystals in both photoreduction and photooxidation processes can be enhanced by selectively depositing Pt nanoparticles on the {101} facets, which strengthens spontaneously surface‐induced separation between photogenerated electrons and holes in the photocatalysis process. An optimal ratio of the oxidative {001} facets to the reductive {101} facets exists with regard to the photocatalysis of the faceted TiO₂ nanocrystals, and this is crucial for balancing the recombination and redox reaction rates of photogenerated electrons and holes. The present work might help us gain deeper insight into the relation between the specific surface of semiconductor photocatalysts and their photocatalytic activities and provides us with a new route to design photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity.     

锐钛矿(001)与(101)晶面在光催化反应中的作用

采用水热法制备了(001)和(101)晶面暴露的单晶锐钛矿TiO₂颗粒. 利用光还原沉积贵金属(Au, Ag, Pt)和光氧化沉积金属氧化物(PbO₂, MnO_x)的方法研究了暴露的锐钛矿(001)和(101)晶面在光催化中的作用. 通过透射电子显微镜(TEM)、扫描电子显微镜(STM)、能量色散X射线光谱仪(EDX)和X射线光电子能谱(XPS)的表征, 发现发生光还原反应生成的贵金属粒子主要沉积在暴露的锐钛矿(101)晶面上, 而发生光氧化反应产生的金属氧化物颗粒主要沉积在暴露的锐钛矿(001)晶面上. 此结果表明光激发产生的电子与空穴主要并分别分布在单晶锐钛矿TiO₂的(101)与(001)晶面上, 并在其上参与光催化还原反应和氧化反应. 同时也表明暴露的不同晶面对光生电荷具有分离效应. 基于本研究可以认为同时暴露分别进行氧化和还原反应的晶面可以有效促进光催化反应.     

Searching for facet-dependent photoactivity of shape-controlled anatase TiO2

Improving the performance of mostly employed anatase TiO₂ photocatalysts by properly controlling their crystal shape represents a big challenge to improve their efficiency in photocatalytic applications. After the synthesis, reported in 2008, of anatase microcrystals enriched in high-energy {001} facets, many efforts have been made aimed at tuning the crystal morphology of anatase, by means of either fluorine-mediated or more environmentally friendly methods, producing a deviation from its regular crystal growth. In this relatively new field of investigation, controversial opinions emerged concerning the role of each type of facet and its relative amount in relation to photoefficiency optimization. This review addresses this topic by presenting a critical survey of selected literature reports. After a brief introduction on the main synthetic strategies adopted to obtain shape-controlled anatase photocatalysts, the attention is focused on the methods employed for their comprehensive characterization, including the identification and quantification of exposed facets and the assessment of their influence on bulk and surface properties relevant to photoactivity. Potential interferences, derived from synthetic routes and possibly affecting the conclusions of facet-dependent photoactivity investigations, are also discussed. Key examples of test reactions actually demonstrating how both the type and/or the amount of specific facets influence photocatalytic activity are finally reported, aiming at providing rational bases for the design of better performing shape-controlled anatase photocatalysts.     

{001} facets dominated anatase TiO2: Morphology, formation/etching mechanisms and performance

Controllable growth of anatase TiO2 crystals with exposed high reactive crystal facets has aroused great attention in the fields of science and technology due to their unique structure-dependent properties. Recently, much effort has been paid to synthesize anatase TiO2 crystals with exposed high reactive {001} facets. Herein, we review the recent progress in synthesizing {001} facets dominated anatase TiO2 crystals with different morphologies by various synthetic methods. Furthermore, our review is mainly focused on the formation/etching mechanisms of {001} facets dominated anatase TiO2 crystals based on our and other studies. The extensive application potentials of the anatase TiO2 crystals with exposed {001} facets have been summarized in this review such as photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, solar energy conversion, lithium ion battery, and hydrogen generation. Based on the current studies, we give some perspectives on the research topic. We believe that this comprehensive review on anatase TiO2 crystals with high reactive {001} facets can further promote the relative research in this field.     

Graphite-like carbon deposited anatase TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> single crystals as efficient visible-light photocatalysts

Graphite-like carbon deposited single-crystal anatase TiO₂ with exposed {001} facets was fabricated through a two-step solvothermal process by using glucose as carbon source. The physicochemical properties of the as-prepared samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, transmission electron microscopy, Raman, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and surface photovoltage spectroscopy. These results demonstrated that graphite-like carbon layers were deposited on the surface of TiO₂ single-crystal nanosheets with exposed highly reactive {001} facets via the dehydration of glucose during the process of hydrothermal treatment. The loading of the graphite-like carbon layers could effectively extend the light absorption edge of the single-crystal anatase TiO₂ nanosheets to visible light region and accelerate the separation of photo-generated electrons and holes, contributing an excellent visible-light driven photocatalytic performance to the graphite-like carbon deposited single-crystal anatase TiO₂ nanosheets for the degradation of methyl orange.     

Synthesis of Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40/TiO2 Nanocomposites with Dominant TiO2 {001} Facets and Related Photocatalytic Properties

TiO₂ nanosheets with dominant {001} facets, coupled with Cs_2.5H_0.5PW₁₂O₄₀, were successfully synthesized by a one‐step hydrothermal reaction. The photocatalytic activity of nanocatalysts was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B under UV light irradiation. The results showed that both the addition of Cs_2.5H_0.5PW₁₂O₄₀ and the exposed {001} facets of TiO₂ have a positive effect on the photocatalytic activity. The improved photoactivity of nanocomposites in comparison with that of TiO₂ nanosheets could be attributed to the synergistic effect between Cs_2.5H_0.5PW₁₂O₄₀ and TiO₂ which facilitates the separation of photo‐induced hole‐electron pairs.     

Oxygen-Deficient Dumbbell-Shaped Anatase TiO2−x Mesocrystals with Nearly 100 % Exposed {101} Facets: Synthesis,Growth Mechanism,and Photocatalytic Performance

The development of hierarchical TiO₂ superstructures with new morphologies and intriguing photoelectric properties for utilizing solar energy is known to be an effective approach to alleviate the serious problems of environmental pollution. Herein, unique oxygen-deficient dumbbell-shaped anatase TiO_2−x mesocrystals (DTMCs) enclosed by nearly 100 % {101} facets were readily synthesized by mesoscale transformation in TiCl₃/acetic acid (HAc) mixed solution, followed by calcination under vacuum. These mesocrystals exhibited much higher photoreactivity toward removing the model pollutants methyl orange and Cr^VI than truncated tetragonal bipyramidal anatase nanocrystals (TNCs), anatase mesocrystals built from truncated tetragonal bipyramidal anatase nanocrystals (TTMCs), and anatase mesocrystals constructed by anatase nanocrystals with nearly 100 % exposed {101} facets (TMCs), revealing that both the oxidation and reduction abilities of anatase TiO₂ were simultaneously enhanced upon fabricating an oxygen-deficient mesocrystalline architecture with about 100 % exposed {101} facets. Further characterization illustrated that such an enhancement of photoreactivity was mainly due to the strengthened light absorption, boosted charge carrier separation, and nearly 100 % exposed {101} facets of the oxygen-deficient dumbbell-shaped anatase mesocrystals. This work will be useful for guiding the synthesis of oxygen-deficient ordered superstructures of metal oxides with desired morphologies and exposed facets for promising applications in environmental remediation.     

Prolonging charge-separation states by doping lanthanide-ions into {001}/{101} facets-coexposed TiO2 nanosheets for enhancing photocatalytic H2 evolution

Ultrathin TiO₂ nanosheets with coexposed {001}/{101} facets have attracted considerable attention because of their high photocatalytic activity. However, the charge-separated states in the TiO₂ nanosheets must be extended to further enhance their photocatalytic activity for H₂ evolution. Herein, we present a successful attempt to selectively dope lanthanide ions into the {101} facets of ultrathin TiO₂ nanosheets with coexposed {001}/{101} facets through a facile one-step solvothermal method. The lanthanide doping slightly extended the light-harvesting region and markedly improved the charge-separated states of the TiO₂ nanosheets as evidenced by UV-vis absorption and steady-state/transient photoluminescence spectra. Upon simulated sunlight irradiation, we observed a 4.2-fold enhancement in the photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity of optimal Yb³⁺-doped TiO₂ nanosheets compared to that of their undoped counterparts. Furthermore, when Pt nanoparticles were used as cocatalysts to reduce the H₂ overpotential in this system, the photocatalytic activity enhancement factor increased to 8.5. By combining these results with those of control experiments, we confirmed that the extended charge-separated states play the main role in the enhancement of the photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity of lanthanide-doped TiO₂ nanosheets with coexposed {001}/{101} facets.     

Morphology‐Engineered Highly Active and Stable Ru/TiO2 Catalysts for Selective CO Methanation

Ru/TiO₂ catalysts exhibit an exceptionally high activity in the selective methanation of CO in CO₂‐ and H₂‐rich reformates, but suffer from continuous deactivation during reaction. This limitation can be overcome through the fabrication of highly active and non‐deactivating Ru/TiO₂ catalysts by engineering the morphology of the TiO₂ support. Using anatase TiO₂ nanocrystals with mainly {001}, {100}, or {101} facets exposed, we show that after an initial activation period Ru/TiO₂‐{100} and Ru/TiO₂‐{101} are very stable, while Ru/TiO₂‐{001} deactivates continuously. Employing different operando/in situ spectroscopies and ex situ characterizations, we show that differences in the catalytic stability are related to differences in the metal–support interactions (MSIs). The stronger MSIs on the defect‐rich TiO₂‐{100} and TiO₂‐{101} supports stabilize flat Ru nanoparticles, while on TiO₂‐{001} hemispherical particles develop. The former MSIs also lead to electronic modifications of Ru surface atoms, reflected by the stronger bonding of adsorbed CO on those catalysts than on Ru/TiO₂‐{001}.     

Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2/CdS Nanocomposites with Co-Exposed Anatase Highly Reactive Facets

In this work, TiO₂/CdS nanocomposites with co-exposed {101}/[111]-facets (NH4F-TiO2/CdS), {101}/{010} facets (FMA-TiO2/CdS), and {101}/{010}/[111]-facets (HF-TiO2/CdS and Urea-TiO2/CdS) were successfully synthesized through a one-pot solvothermal method by using [Ti₄O₉]²⁻ colloidal solution containing CdS crystals as the precursor. The crystal structure, morphology, specific surface area, pore size distribution, separation, and recombination of photogenerated electrons/holes of the TiO₂/CdS nanocomposites were characterized. The photocatalytic activity and cycling performance of the TiO₂/CdS nanocomposites were also investigated. The results showed that as-prepared FMA-TiO₂/CdS with co-exposed {101}/{010} facets exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity in the process of photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO), and its degradation efficiency was 88.4%. The rate constants of FMA-TiO₂/CdS was 0.0167 min⁻¹, which was 55.7, 4.0, 3.7, 3.5, 3.3, and 1.9 times of No catalyst, CdS, HF-TiO₂/CdS, NH₄F-TiO₂/CdS, CM-TiO₂, Urea-TiO₂/CdS, respectively. The highest photocatalytic activity of FMA-TiO₂/CdS could be attributed to the synergistic effects of the largest surface energy, co-exposed {101}/{010} facets, the lowest photoluminescence intensity, lower charge-transfer resistance, and a higher charge-transfer efficiency.     

Control of Spatially Homogeneous Distribution of Heteroatoms to Produce Red TiO2 Photocatalyst for Visible-Light Photocatalytic Water Splitting

The strong band-to-band absorption of photocatalysts spanning the whole visible-light region (400–700 nm) is critically important for solar-driven photocatalysis. Although it has been actively and widely used as a photocatalyst for various reactions in the past four decades, TiO₂ has a very poor ability to capture the whole spectrum of visible light. In this work, by controlling the spatially homogeneous distribution of boron and nitrogen heteroatoms in anatase TiO₂ microspheres with a predominance of high-energy {001} facets, a strong visible-light absorption spectrum with a sharp edge beyond 680 nm has been achieved. The red TiO₂ obtained with homogeneous doping of boron and nitrogen shows no increase in defects like Ti³⁺ that are commonly observed in doped TiO₂. More importantly, it has the ability to induce photocatalytic water oxidation to produce oxygen under the irradiation of visible light beyond 550 nm and also the photocatalytic reduction of water to produce hydrogen under visible light. These results demonstrate the great promise of using red TiO₂ for visible-light photocatalytic water splitting and also reveal an attractive strategy for realizing the wide-spectrum visible-light absorption of wide-band-gap oxide photocatalysts.     

Facile fabrication of anatase TiO2 microspheres on solid substrates and surface crystal facet transformation from {001} to {101}

Anatase TiO(2) microspheres with controlled surface morphologies and exposed crystal facets were directly synthesized on metal titanium foil substrates by means of a facile, one-pot hydrothermal method without use of any templating reagent. The obtained products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelecron spectroscopy (XPS), and the focused ion beam (FIB) technique. The sizes of the resultant microspheres ranged from 1.1 to 2.1 μm. The transformation of anatase TiO(2) microspheres with exposed {001} facets surface to nanosheets surface with {101} facets was achieved by simply controlling the hydrothermal reaction time. The anatase TiO(2) microspheres with exposed square-shaped plane {001} facets were obtained by controlling the reaction time at 1 h. The prolonged reaction time transforms the anatase TiO(2) microspheres with exposed square-shaped plane {001} facets to eroded {001} facets then to a nanosheet surface with exposed {101} facets. With hydrothermal synthesis, the surface morphological structure and crystal facets formation are highly dependent on dissolution/deposition processes, which can be strongly influenced by attributes, such as pH of the reaction media, the total concentration of dissolved and suspended titanium species, and the concentration of fluoride in the reaction solution. The changes of these attributes during the hydrothermal process were therefore measured and used to illustrate the morphology and crystal-facet transformation processes of anatase TiO(2) microspheres. The surface morphologies and crystal-facet transformations during hydrothermal processes were found to be governed by the compositional changes of the reaction media, driven by dynamically shifted dissolution/deposition equilibria. The photocatalytic activities of the photoanodes made of anatase TiO(2) microspheres were evaluated. The experimental results demonstrated that the photocatalytic activity of anatase TiO(2) microspheres with exposed {001} facets was found to be 1.5 times higher than that of the anatase TiO(2) microspheres with exposed {101} facets.     

具有丰富(001)面的锐钛矿TiO2晶体的无氟合成

采用一种全新的方法实现了无氟、在阳离子聚合物参与下合成具有丰富(001)面的锐钛矿TiO₂晶体(TiO₂-P), 并通过X射线衍射、扫描电镜、透射电镜、紫外-可见光谱等手段对样品进行了表征. 光催化测试显示, 该样品对甲基橙的降解具有比常规锐钛矿TiO₂和商业P25更好的活性, 这可归因于TiO₂-P具有大量的暴露(001)晶面.     

Synthesis of nano-sized anatase TiO2 with reactive {001} facets using lamellar protonated titanate as precursor

Nano-sized anatase TiO(2) with exposed {001} facets was synthesized from lamellar protonated titanate precursor. Owing to small size (ca. 11 nm) and high surface area (155 m(2) g(-1)), the crystals with 26.1% {001} facets exhibited markedly superior photoactivity to reference ca. 76 nm anatase TiO(2) nanosheets with 88.4% {001} facets.     

Unprecedented Eighteen‐Faceted BiOCl with a Ternary Facet Junction Boosting Cascade Charge Flow and Photo‐redox

Exposure of anisotropic crystal facets allows the directional transfer of photoexcited electrons (e^?) and holes (h⁺), for spatial charge separation. High‐index facets with a high density of low‐coordinated atoms always serve as reactive catalytic sites. However, preparation of multi‐facets or high‐index facets is highly challenging for layered bismuth‐based photocatalysts. Herein, we report the preparation of unprecedented eighteen‐faceted BiOCl with {001} top facets and {102} and {112} oblique facets via a hydrothermal process. Compared to the conventional BiOCl square plates with {001} top facets and {110} lateral facets, the eighteen‐faceted BiOCl has highly enhanced photocatalytic activity for H₂ evolution and hydroxyl radicals (^.OH) production. Theoretical calculations and photodeposition results disclose that the of eighteen‐faceted BiOCl has a well‐matched {001}/{102}/{112} ternary facet junction, which provides a cascade path for more efficient charge flow than the binary facet junction in BiOCl square plates.     

核-壳和中空多面体二氧化钛制备、表征及光催化

本文采用水热法控制制备了具有特殊纳米结构的核-壳和中空多面体二氧化钛, 以进一步提高具有特定暴露面多面体二氧化钛的比表面积, 达到更优异的光催化效果。用X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电镜(SEM)、透射电镜(TEM)等技术对所制备特殊结构二氧化钛的物相和微/纳结构进行表征分析, 结果表明所得核-壳和中空结构多面体二氧化钛具有一个类似隧道结构的(001)/(001)洞开的截顶双金字塔型壳层。这两种特殊结构的形成可能是源于配位/弱酸性腐蚀原理的共同作用。用核-壳和中空结构二氧化钛对亚甲基蓝进行光降解实验, 结果表明:所得两种新颖结构二氧化钛的光催化效率得到明显提高, 尤其是在添加过氧化氢条件下。可能原因是:两种特殊结构二氧化钛大比表面积正面作用抵消了(001)晶面消失或减少所产生的副作用, 以及过氧化氢在光催化反应中提供的活性氢氧根自由基使得光辐照二氧化钛产生的电子-空穴对在催化剂表面得到有效分离。     

Hierarchical TiO2 nanospheres with dominant {001} facets: facile synthesis, growth mechanism, and photocatalytic activity

Hierarchical TiO(2) nanospheres with controlled surface morphologies and dominant {001} facets were directly synthesized from Ti powder by a facile, one-pot, hydrothermal method. The obtained hierarchical TiO(2) nanospheres have a uniform size of 400-500?nm and remarkable 78?% fraction of {001} facets. The influence of the reaction temperature, amount of HF, and reaction time on the morphology and the exposed facets was systematically studied. A possible growth mechanism speculates that Ti powder first dissolves in HF solution, and then flowerlike TiO(2) nanostructures are formed by assembly of TiO(2) nanocrystals. Because of the high concentration of HF in the early stage, these TiO(2) nanostructures were etched, and hollow structures formed on the surface. After the F(-) ions were effectively absorbed on the crystal surfaces, {001} facets appear and grow steadily. At the same time, the {101} facets also grow and meet the {101} facets from adjacent truncated tetragonal pyramids, causing coalescence of these facets and formation of nanospheres with dominant {001} facets. With further extension of the reaction time, single-crystal {001} facets of hierarchical TiO(2) nanospheres are dissolved and TiO(2) nanospheres with dominant {101} facets are obtained. The photocatalytic activities of the hierarchical TiO(2) nanospheres were evaluated and found to be closely related to the exposed {001} facets. Owing to the special hierarchical architecture and high percentage of exposed {001} facets, the TiO(2) nanospheres exhibit much enhanced photocatalytic efficiency (almost fourfold) compared to P25 TiO(2) as a benchmark material. This study provides new insight into crystal-facet engineering of anatase TiO(2) nanostructures with high percentage of {001} facets as well as opportunities for controllable synthesis of 3D hierarchical nanostructures.     

Deposition of SnO2 on the Anatase TiO2 {105} Facets with High Photocatalytic Performance

Anatase TiO2 as a promising photocatalyst has been widely employed in the decontamination treatment of polluted water, air purification and water splitting. Coupling TiO2 with other semiconductor materials could further enhance the photocatalytic activity. Here, we successfully synthesized the SnOz/TiO2 catalyst by depositing SnO2 particles on the anatase TiO2 {105} facets through a gas phase oxidation process. The SnOz/TiO2 catalyst shows higher photocatalytic activity for decomposition of MB than that of the pure YiO2 catalyst. The enhanced photo- catalytic activity can be attributed to the efficient charge separation since TiO2 and SnO2 catalyst have staggered energy level.