Efficient visible light utilization of 3D $TiO_2$ photocatalyst heterostructured with GQDs via aminosilane linker

Abstract

As a photocatalytic materials, titanium dioxide ($TiO_2$) is one of the most promising materials due to its physical/chemical stability, photo inertness, high oxidizing power, and low cost. In terms of practical application of $TiO_2$, however there are still some issues need to improve such as limited visible-light utilization originated from large band gap, and recyclability. Previously, several approaches have been proposed as a solution for efficient $TiO_2$ photocatalyst under visible light, for example, doping metal/non-metal atoms, heterostructuring with semiconducting materials. However, most of them undergo inevitable generation of charge recombination site or back electron transfer (BET) which are detrimental to photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, we proposed a new design of $TiO_2$/GQDs complex linked by APTES which remarkably suppress BET and charge recombination. The GQDs decorated 3D $TiO_2$ nanostructure exhibits a 242 % higher photocatalytic activity than 3D without GQDs under visible light irradiation.