Abstract In this study, Au nanoparticles modified novel nanosheet-branched TiO2 hollow spheres with high specific surface area (556.39 m2 g−1) are constructed as photocatalysts for adsorption and degradation of organic dyes under solar light irradiation. The adsorption and photocatalytic activities were evaluated by monitoring the concentration of R6G with or without simulated solar light irradiation. The results reveal that the adsorption capacity between R6G molecules and absorbents (TiO2 or Au/TiO2) is controlled by chemisorption, and the adsorption capacity of the pristine TiO2 (84.89 mg g−1) is higher than those of the Au/TiO2 nanocomposites. The highest photocatalytic activity (0.0896 min−1) can be found in 5 at.% Au/TiO2 hollow nanospheres. Considering both adsorption and photocatalytic performances, 5 at.% Au/TiO2 nanocomposites are optimized and chosen as a desired solar-light-driven photocatalyst for organic dye degradation. This study may offer a reference to design the novel nanostructure of TiO2-based photocatalysts for multi-energy and environmental applications.

中文翻译：

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Au修饰的纳米片支化TiO2空心球表现出优异的吸附和太阳光驱动光催化性能

摘要 本研究构建了具有高比表面积 (556.39 m2 g-1) 的 Au 纳米颗粒修饰的新型纳米片支化 TiO2 空心球作为光催化剂，用于在太阳光照射下吸附和降解有机染料。通过在模拟太阳光照射或不照射下监测 R6G 的浓度来评估吸附和光催化活性。结果表明，R6G 分子与吸收剂（TiO2 或 Au/TiO2）之间的吸附容量受化学吸附控制，原始 TiO2（84.89 mg g-1）的吸附容量高于 Au/TiO2 纳米复合材料的吸附容量。在 5 at.% Au/TiO2 空心纳米球中可以发现最高的光催化活性 (0.0896 min-1)。考虑到吸附和光催化性能，5 at。% Au/TiO2 纳米复合材料被优化并被选为所需的太阳能光驱动光催化剂，用于有机染料降解。该研究可为设计用于多能源和环境应用的 TiO2 基光催化剂的新型纳米结构提供参考。