Ti-containing hybrid mesoporous organosilicas as photocatalysts for H2 production from ethanol

A series of complex organic-inorganic mesoporous materials were successfully synthesized by a microwave-assisted method that allowed the preparation periodic organosilicas (PMOs) with Ti (IV) forming part structure (Ti-PMOs). Materials characterized using N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission and high resolution electron microscopy (TEM HRTEM), Raman, infrared, UV–visible diffuse reflectance (UV–vis RDS), photoelectron (XPS), photoluminescence (PL) electrochemical impedance (EIS) spectroscopy, transient photocurrent measurements. Samples labeled Ti10-PMO, Ti20-PMO Ti40-PMO (with Si/Ti molar ratio about 10, 20 40), showed crystal-like characteristics specific surface area (742–829 m2g-1). Ti-PMOs studied in photocatalytic H2 evolution from an aqueous ethanol solution under irradiation. better behavior than PMO this is related presence tetrahedral Ti(IV) PMOs network. displayed lower barrier for transfer more efficient charge separation PMO. The highest production was obtained photocatalyst; after 4 h irradiation, 2042 μmol gcat−1 obtained, which times higher reference commercial TiO2 (P25).