Core-shell morphology of Au-TiO sub(2)-graphene oxide nanocomposite exhibiting enhanced hydrogen production from water

The core-shell morphology of graphene oxide (GO) coated Au-TiO sub(2) (Au-TiO sub(2)-GO) nanocatalysts has displayed enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from water. The structural morphology of Au-TiO sub(2)-GO revealed a thin layer ( similar to 2.5 nm) of GO shell over Au-TiO sub(2) core, possessing higher specific surface area ( similar to 100 m super(2) g super(-1)). Raman spectroscopy revealed bands at 1593 cm super(-1) and 1317 cm super(-1) corresponding to G and D lines. GO facilitates decreases in the rate of e super(-)/h super(+) recombination due to its reduction potential and Au loading increase sensitization of TiO sub(2) in the visible light resulting in the increased activity for H sub(2) production ( similar to 114 mu mol) from the water.