Carbon Quantum Dot/TiO₂ Nanohybrids: Efficient Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Generation via Intimate Contact and Efficient Charge Separation

Abstract

We report a facile synthesis of carbon quantum dot (CQD)-sensitized TiO2/Pt nanocomposites as efficient and robust photocatalysts for light-driven proton reduction from water. We show that this method not only simplifies the synthetic procedure for such hybrid materials but also enhances the direct interaction between CQDs and TiO2, which facilitates charge transfer from CQDs to TiO2 and eventually improves its performance for light-driven H2 generation. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the system with highest H2 generation efficiency among all CQD-sensitized materials.