title: Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide by hydrous hydrazine over Au-Cu alloy nanoparticles supported on SrTiO3/TiO2 coaxial nanotube arrays.
abstract: Efficient photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into CO and hydrocarbons by hydrous hydrazine (N2H4⋅H2O) is achieved on SrTiO3/TiO2 coaxial nanotube arrays loaded with Au-Cu bimetallic alloy nanoparticles. The synergetic catalytic effect by the Au-Cu alloy nanoparticles and the fast electron-transfer in SrTiO3/TiO2 coaxial nanoarchitecture are the main reasons for the efficiency, while N2H4⋅H2O as the H source and electron donor provides a reducing atmosphere to protect the surface Cu atoms from oxidation, therefore maintaining the alloying effect which is the basis for the high photocatalytic activity and stability. This approach opens a feasible route to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency, which also benefits the development of photocatalysts and co-catalysts.
authors.affiliation: International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), and Environmental Remediation Materials Unit, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044 (Japan).
authors.forename: Qing
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Peng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Lequan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Kun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Mu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Jinhua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ye
keywords: Au-Cu cocatalyst; CO2 conversion; nanotube arrays; photocatalysis; solar fuel