In situ decoration of g-C₃N₄ quantum dots on 1D branched TiO₂ loaded with plasmonic Au nanoparticles and improved the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity

The hybrid 1D branched TiO₂ loaded with surface plasmonic Au and decorated with g-C₃N₄ QDs were successfully fabricated which played a significant role in photocatalysis. The 1D branched TiO₂ prepared by electrospinning followed by an alkali-hydrothermal process. The Au particles decorated by photo deposition and after that g-C₃N₄ QDs were grafted over it by a chemical vapor deposition method. The composite shows great improvement in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and evolved about 2.22 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ hydrogen. The composite sample has a quantum efficiency of 19.5% for hydrogen production at 420 nm light that depicts the performance behavior of the composite. The 1D branched TiO₂ fiber facilitates the fast transfer of electrons and Au reduces the charge recombination due to its surface plasmonic effect while g-C₃N₄ QDs facilitate the visible light absorption by improving the optical properties and reduces the bandgap. The formation of the type II heterostructure system remarkably promotes the separation and transfer of electron holes and facilitates the photo-reduction reaction.