International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol.43, No.14, 6963-6976, 2018
Shining light on panchromatic ruthenium sensitizers towards dye-sensitized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Five new photocatalysts have been synthesized in order to extend the photo response upto visible range, by adsorbing MC113-MC117 ruthenium complexes on TiO2-Pt composites. Highlight harvesting properties of these ruthenium complexes instigated us to evaluate for photocatalytic activity. The absorption curves of the synthesized photocatalysts extended up to 750 nm. Morphological studies of photocatalysts have been carried out using SEM and powder X-ray crystallography. Among all photocatalysts, MC113PC showed high photocatalytic activity i.e. 9474 TONs. IPCE and fluorescence quenching studies of the catalysts revealed the light harvesting nature and electron injection efficiency. The photocatalytic activity of MC photocatalysts were systematically screened at different pH and employing different sacrificial electron donors (SED) in order to obtain optimal photocatalytic performance. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.