Amide–induced monodispersed Pt(100) nanoparticles loaded on graphene surface for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract Using free and sustainable solar energy to produce hydrogen is the most promising strategy to resolve the environmental pollution and global energy crisis. The properties of sensitized matrix and co–catalyst, including the dispersibility, lattice structure and electrical performance, are usually two the decisive factors for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. This paper reports a facile synthetic process of surface–clean monodisperse Pt(100) nanocubes supported on graphene surface using amide functional groups as induction sites. The prepared catalyst (AG/Pt(100)) not only incorporate plentiful amide functional groups that act as the dispersant and stabilizer into surface and edge of graphene, but also significantly dislodge the oxygen–containing functional groups, which hold strong promise for improving conductivity, carrier concentration and mobility of sensitized matrix. Simultaneously, the monodisperse Pt(100) nanocubes supported on graphene surface exposure more active sites. These results provide the necessary conditions for efficient catalysts. Without any pre–treatment, it exhibits high H2 generation activity (553.7 μmol for 2 h) and apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) (33.9% at 430 nm) under visible light irradiation when Eosin Y is used as photosensitizer. These superior production H2 activities can attribute to enhance the dispersion and conductivity of sensitized matrix, construct special geometry of Pt(100) nanocubes and prolong the lifetime of photogenerated electron.