Two-Dimensional C/TiO2 Heterogeneous Hybrid for Noble-Metal-Free Hydrogen Evolution

Developing catalysts to improve excitonic charge carrier transfer and separation properties is critical for solar energy conversion through photochemical catalysis. Layer staking of two-dimensional (2-D) materials has opened up opportunities to engineer heteromaterials for strong interlayer excitonic transition. However, scalable fabrication of heteromaterials with seamless and clean interfaces remains challenging. Here, we report an in situ growth strategy for synthesizing a 2-D C/TiO2 heterogeneous hybrid. Layered structure of TiO2 and chemically bonded Ti-C between graphitic carbon and TiO2 generate synergetic effects, promoting interfacial charge transfer and separation, leading to more electrons participating in photoreduction for hydrogen evolution. The Ti-C bond as reactive sites, such as platinum behavior, makes it an interesting potential substitue for noble metals in hydrogen evolution. In the absence of noble metals, the C/TiO2 hybrid exhibits a significant enhancement of hydrogen evolution from water splitting using solar light, similar to 3.046 mmol h(-1) g(-1.) The facile and scalable fabrication of 2-D heterogeneous hybrid with enhanced interfacial charge transfer and separation provides perspectives for the creation of 2-D heteromaterials in optoelectronics and solar-light-harvesting applications.