Au(I) complex-titania hybrid photocatalyst for hydrogen production

Abstract

Integration of TiO2 and an Au(I) complex containing a thiocoumarin moiety results in a very efficient photocatalyst for the generation of H2. The molecular structure of the complex is preserved under photoreaction due to the strong Au(I)-S bond. The Au(I) complex plays a determinant role in the photogeneration of H2 by accepting the photoinduced electrons originated in TiO2 upon light exposure. This is the first example of an Au(I) complexsemiconductor hybrid photocatalyst. The rate of H2 generation under dynamic conditions from water-ethanol is about one order of magnitude superior on a metal basis to that obtained over conventional TiO2 decorated with Au metal nanoparticles.