Modification of Sm2Ti2S2O5 with two cocatalysts for remarkably enhanced hydrogen production from water using visible light

In this abstract, a significantly efficient modification method for Sm₂Ti₂S₂O₅ was introduced by employing both reduction and oxidation cocatalysts to improve the H₂ activity from water. The modified photocatalyst Sm₂Ti₂S₂O₅ is loaded with Ag₂S and Rh.The preparation of Ag₂S/Sm₂Ti₂S₂O₅ involves a one-pot synthesis of by sulfurizing a mixed oxide consisting of Ag, Sm, and Ti, followed by deposition of noble-metal Rh. The photocatalysts with and without an addition of Ag are referred to as Ag-Sm₂Ti₂S₂O₅ and Sm₂Ti₂S₂O₅, respectively.The existence of Ag₂S on Ag-Sm₂Ti₂S₂O₅ evidenced by Ag K-edge was XANES analysis and XPS spectra.XRD patterns, UV-Vis spectra and BET measurement reveal that the Ag₂S modification makes minor effect on the intrinsic structure of Sm₂Ti₂S₂O₅. HRTEM image demonstrated that the Ag₂S nanoparticle was partly embedded into surface of Sm₂Ti₂S₂O₅ to produce intimately contacting hetero-junction.