Dipyridylbenzene as a charming sensitizer to significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide

Abstract Dipyridyl benzene skeleton (Py-ph-Py) was synthesized and chem.-grafted on titanium dioxide through hydrothermal method. The novel organic/inorganic hybrid structure DPA-TiO 2 displays remarkable photocatalytic activity and stability. The structural and surface characterization revealed that hybrid composites were linked with chemical ester bonds, which enabled the organic skeletons on the surface to act as charming transmitters of charges. The hybrid structure not only shortens the bond gap of catalyst hence to make charges be generated under visible light, but also transfers the photogenerated electrons in time to avoid them recombining with positive holes. In addition, the excellent adsorption capacity to waste organic compounds also contributes to its wonderful catalytic properties. The novel methodology is of great instructive to the utilization of solar energy to dispose environmental pollutions.