Nano-hybrid plasmonic photocatalyst for hydrogen production at 20% efficiency

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Author(s):	Pavliuk, Mariia V. ; Fernandes, Arthur B. ; Abdellah, Mohamed ; Fernandes, Daniel L. A. ; Machado, Caroline O. ; Rocha, Igor ; Hattori, Yocefu ; Paun, Cristina ; Bastos, Erick L. ; Sa, Jacinto Total Authors: 10
Document type:	Journal article
Source:	SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 7, AUG 17 2017.
Web of Science Citations:	3
Abstract
The efficient conversion of light energy into chemical energy is key for sustainable human development. Several photocatalytic systems based on photovoltaic electrolysis have been used to produce hydrogen via water reduction. However, in such devices, light harvesting and proton reduction are carried separately, showing quantum efficiency of about 10-12%. Here, we report a nano-hybrid photocatalytic assembly that enables concomitant reductive hydrogen production and pollutant oxidation with solar-to-fuel efficiencies up to 20%. The modular architecture of this plasmonic material allows the fine-tuning of its photocatalytic properties by simple manipulation of a reduced number of basic components. (AU)

FAPESP's process:	14/14866-2 - Intermolecular interactions involving betalains
Grantee:	Erick Leite Bastos
Support type:	Regular Research Grants