Au nanobipyramids with Pt decoration enveloped in TiO2 nanoboxes for photocatalytic reactions

Noble metal nanocrystals and core–shell nanocomposites have attracted particular interest due to their unique optical properties originating from surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and wide applications related to the SPR effect. In this work, we designed and fabricated a new Au–Pt@TiO2 nanocomposite, in which Au nanobipyramids (AuNBPs) decorated with platinum (Pt) clusters were enveloped in mesoporous TiO2 nanoboxes with nanocavities. AuNBPs provide strong SPR absorption and localized field enhancement restricted to the cavities of TiO2 nanoboxes. The Pt nanoclusters decorated on the surface of AuNBPs can effectively modulate the charge movement and energy transfer in the photocatalytic process. The enhanced electric field provides a local thermal effect for the photocatalytic reaction and promotes the injection process of hot electrons which facilitates carrier separation. The nanoboxes with nanocavities can effectively manage the usage of localized energy and provide space for reaction. Under the cooperative effects, the photocatalytic performance was remarkably improved along with durability and stability. For the AuNBP–Pt@TiO2 nanoboxes, the rhodamine-B degradation efficiency was ∼6.5 times that of AuNBP@TiO2 nanoboxes. The mechanism of the photocatalysis process was proposed based on experimental results and simulations. Benefiting from the excellent structure and properties, the obtained nanostructure is a promising candidate in the fields of pollutant degradation and chemical reaction catalysis.