Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of HNbWO6/TiO2 and HNbWO6/Fe2O3 nanocomposites

TiO2 and Fe2O3 were intercalated into the interlayer of HNbWO6 together wit h Pt by the successive reactions of HNbWO6 with [Pt(NH3)(4)]Cl-2, n-C3H7NH2 and acidic TiO2 colloid solution or [Fe-3(CH3CO2)(7)(OH)(H2O)(2)]NO3 aqueo us solution followed by UV light irradiation. The height of TiO2 and Fe2O3 pillars was less than 0.5 nm. The bandgap energies of HNbWO6/TiO2 and HPITb WO6/Fe2O3 nanocomposites were 3.12 and 2.22 eV, respectively. Both nanocomp osites showed hydrogen production activity by the bandgap irradiation in th e presence of sacrificial hole acceptor such as methanol. The photocatalyti c activities of HNbWO6/TiO2 and HNbWO6/Fe2O3 nanocomposites were superior t o those of unsupported TiO2 and Fe2O3 and were enhanced by co-incorporation of Pt. The hydrogen production activities of HNbWO6/Pt, HNbWO6/(Pt, TiO2), HNbWO6/Fe2O3 and HNbWO6/(Pt, Fe2O3) under UV light irradiation were much l ower than that of unsupported TiO2/Pt, however, they showed photocatalytic activity even under visible light irradiation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S. A. All rights reserved.