%0 Journal Article
%T Magn¨¦li-Phases in Anatase Strongly Promote Cocatalyst-Free Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
%J -
%D 2019
%R https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.9b00578
%X Magn¨¦li phases of titanium dioxide (such as Ti4O7, Ti5O9, etc.) provide electronic properties, namely, a stable metallic behavior at room temperature. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that nanoscopic Magn¨¦li phases, formed intrinsically in anatase during a thermal aerosol synthesis, can enable significant photocatalytic H2 generation¡ªthis without the use of any extrinsic cocatalyst in anatase. Under optimized conditions, mixed-phase particles of 30% anatase, 25% Ti4O7, and 20% Ti5O9 are obtained that can provide, under solar light, direct photocatalytic H2 evolution at a rate of 145 ¦Ìmol h¨C1 g¨C1. These anatase particles contain 5¨C10 nm size intergrown phases of Ti4O7 and Ti5O9. Key is the metallic band of Ti4O7 that induces a particle internal charge separation and transfer cascade with suitable energetics and favorable dimensions that are highly effective for H2 generation
%U https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscatal.9b00578